Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)
Imperial
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Imperial | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.7% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)
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).
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (15 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 £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Imperial 15 Year Old 1995 (casks 50310 & 50311) - Un-Chillfiltered (Signatory)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary