BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask FinishLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBenriachLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age22 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish 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 BenRiach 22 Year Old Dark Rum Cask Finish

Cooked FruitHoneyVanillaSherriedToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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