Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryLagavulinLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.4%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/54.67/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value23/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

ToastedHoneyCooked Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Explore more