Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society
Springbank
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.7% | 57.7% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society
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).
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Hazelburn?
Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Hazelburn 8 Year Old 1998 - Springbank Society
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary