Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryClynelishLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£200£250
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky 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 Clynelish 2011 / 12 Year Old / Whisky Show 2023 Highland Whisky

VanillaChocolateCitricNuttyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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