Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi)
Benriach
£180
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi)
Pros
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.9%) — 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benriach?
Benriach 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi) 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 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 799) (Adelphi)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)