Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Octomore 16.3
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Octomore 16.3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 61.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £250 | £192.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Octomore 16.3
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Octomore 16.3
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Octomore 16.3 is better value at £193 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 5 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £192.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Octomore 16.3
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£192.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (61.6%) — 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 Octomore?
Octomore 16.3 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Octomore 16.3