Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%61.3%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask is more approachable (25/100 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Lochindaal?

Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask 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

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

OilyKippery

Only Lochindaal 12 Year Old 2009 - The Single Cask

Dried Fruit

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