Braastad Extra Cognac vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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

Braastad Extra CognacLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryBraastadLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%57.7%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£239£299
Rating5.00/5

Braastad Extra Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Braastad Extra Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Braastad Extra Cognac is better value at £239 vs £299.

For beginners: Braastad Extra Cognac is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Braastad Extra Cognac

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£239 vs £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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 (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £239)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Braastad?

Braastad Extra Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Braastad Extra Cognac

Dried FruitNuttyTobaccoHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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