Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
DistilleryLagavulinCarn Mor
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.9%
Age12 yr22 yr
Price£250£203.01
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £203 vs £250.

For beginners: Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (35/100 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 £203.01)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£203.01 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • 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 Orkney?

Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Orkney 22 Year Old 2002 (cask 292002) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitToastedOld Wood

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