Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryCaol IlaLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.2%56.5%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

Smoke68/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

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).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.2%) — 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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 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

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kippery

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