Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Linkwood
£250
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Linkwood |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Linkwood 17 Year Old 1971 (Marks and Spencer)