Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Caol Ila
£180
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)