BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask
Benriach
★ 4.00
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.6% | 56.5% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso 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 BenRiach 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 3085) - Oloroso Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)