Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Ben Nevis
£285
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ben Nevis | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £284.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £285.
For beginners: Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£284.95 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 affordable (£250 vs £284.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ben?
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) 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.
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 Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)