Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Balvenie
£450
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 57.7% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £450 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £450.
For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Pros
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £450)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary