Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£275
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £275 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £275.
For beginners: Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£275 vs £250)
- −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
- +More affordable (£250 vs £275)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange