Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryJohn Crabbie & Co.Lagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%56.5%
Age22 yr12 yr
Price£184.62£250
Rating5.00/5

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

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).

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

Pros

  • +More affordable (£184.62 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)

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 £184.62)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Crabbie?

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

SherriedHoneyOld WoodToastedCooked Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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