Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

Smoke65/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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 (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 Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyKippery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

Cooked FruitLeathery

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