Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Brackla
£395
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Brackla |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 59.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £395 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £395.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 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 affordable (£299 vs £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Royal Brackla 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts