Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +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 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)