Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny PortLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryKopkeLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£180£250
Rating5.00/5

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port

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).

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port

Pros

  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £180)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Kopke?

Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port 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 Kopke 50 Year Old Tawny Port

Dried FruitOld WoodNuttyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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