Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 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 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 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 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

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 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

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