Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Benrinnes
£196
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 27 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £196.02 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £196 vs £250.
For beginners: Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£196.02 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −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 £196.02)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)