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 1990s
Benromach
★ 5.00
£200

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benromach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.99 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)