Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Lagavulin
★ 4.00
£250
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) 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 Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)