Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr
DistilleryLagavulinPulteney
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49.5%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£250£186.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr is more approachable (70/100 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 £186.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£186.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 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 Pulteney?

Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Pulteney 18 Year Old 2008 (cask Z084) - Dràm Mòr

SherriedDried FruitChocolateHoneyOld Wood

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