Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Dalmore?
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)