Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th AnniversaryLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryKilkerranLagavulin
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.3%56.5%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£399£250
Rating5.00/5

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.

For beginners: Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£250 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Kilkerran?

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th 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.

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 Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - 20th Anniversary

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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