Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Caol Ila
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — 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
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 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 Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 16 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange