Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist RumLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryHavana ClubLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£184£250
Rating5.00/5

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

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).

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum is better value at £184 vs £250.

For beginners: Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£184 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 £184)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Havana?

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Dried FruitTobaccoCooked Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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