Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002) vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
DistilleryLagavulinGlenmorangie
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58%46%
Age12 yr15 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002) 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 Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

SmokeyLeathery

Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SherriedVanilla

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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