Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Courvoisier
£190
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Courvoisier | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £190 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£190 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 £190)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Courvoisier?
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac 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 Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)