Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - 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

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Teaninich
★ 5.00
£344
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 65% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £299 | £344.14 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £344.
For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - 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
- +More affordable (£299 vs £344.14)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.14 vs £299)
- −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 Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - 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 Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts