Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972
Excalibur
£240
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Excalibur | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.2% | 57.7% |
| Age | 45 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £240.46 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972 is better value at £240 vs £299.
For beginners: Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£240.46 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (45 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 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £240.46)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Excalibur?
Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Excalibur 45 Year Old 1972
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary