Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Bunnahabhain
£203
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.5% | 56.5% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £202.55 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £203 vs £250.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£202.55 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £202.55)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
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
Both taste of
Only Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old 2001 (cask 805) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)