Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic MaltsLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryDalwhinnieLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.9%56.5%
Age15 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts

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).

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • 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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Dalwhinnie?

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic 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.

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 Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Cask Strength - Friends of the Classic Malts

HoneyMalt ExtractFresh FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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