Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryLagavulinMannochmore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49.4%
Age12 yr37 yr
Price£250£195.44
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness41/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (55/100 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 £195.44)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£195.44 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (37 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Mannochmore?

Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Mannochmore 37 Year Old 1977 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Old WoodHoneyToastedNuttyFragant

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