Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Imperial
£203
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Imperial | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £202.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £203 vs £250.
For beginners: Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£202.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 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 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 £202.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 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 Imperial 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 4190) - Celebration Of The Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)