Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie SixteenLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBruichladdichLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen

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).

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (16 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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - The Laddie Sixteen

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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