Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single CaskLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Lagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.9%56.5%
Age24 yr12 yr
Price£182.5£250
Rating5.00/5

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£182.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • 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 £182.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Braeval 24 Year Old 2000 (Cask 8445) - The Single Cask

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried FruitTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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