Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryVallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne
DistilleryLagavulinVallein-Tercinier
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£219
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne is better value at £219 vs £299.

For beginners: Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne is more approachable (85/100 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 £219)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£219 vs £299)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Vallein?

Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Vallein Tercinier Cognac "Lot 72" Petite Champagne

HoneyVanillaTobaccoOld WoodToasted

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