Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006)
Caol Ila
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006)
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 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
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 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006) 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
Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2006)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)