Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57.8%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt) is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (20/100 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Loch?

Loch Indaal 11 Year Old 1983 (Master of Malt) 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

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kippery

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