Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970
Castarede
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Castarede | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £200 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970 is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Castarede?
Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Castarede Bas Armagnac 1970
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)