Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990sLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBenromachLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£199.99£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199.99 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 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 £199.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Benromach?

Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s 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 Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s

Old WoodHoneyToastedNuttyDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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