Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pulteney
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £198.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 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 £198.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£198.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — 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 Pulteney?
Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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)
Only Pulteney 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 17603801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)