Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Balmenach
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | 24 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)