BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso CaskLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBenriachLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.2%56.5%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61.2%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

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 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask 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 BenRiach 11 Year Old 2007 (cask 3237) - Oloroso Cask

SherriedChocolateDried FruitOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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