Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryBruichladdichLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.7%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value20/100

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

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

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanillaLeafy

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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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