Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinPulteney
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%50.8%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£250£278.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £279.

For beginners: Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £278.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£278.95 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask 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 Pulteney 23 Year Old 2000 (Cask 100773) - The Single Cask

LeatheryToastedOld WoodMalt ExtractHay-like

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