Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Lagavulin
★ 3.00
£299
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£230
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) | WhistlePig 15 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | WhistlePig |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 57.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £299 | £229.99 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
WhistlePig 15 Year Old is better value at £230 vs £299.
For beginners: WhistlePig 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £229.99)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£229.99 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) 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 WhistlePig?
WhistlePig 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Only WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange