Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

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

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
DistilleryBruichladdichLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.4%57.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£289.95£299
Rating5.00/53.00/5

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value10/100

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is better value at £290 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£289.95 vs £299)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £289.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 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 2011) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryMedicinal

Only Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Dried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Oily

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