Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Lagavulin
★ 4.50
£299

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Teaninich
★ 5.00
£344
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 65% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £299 | £344.14 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) is better value at £299 vs £344.
For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£299 vs £344.14)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.14 vs £299)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013) 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 Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2013)
Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts