Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac
Ragnaud Sabourin
£193
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ragnaud Sabourin |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £193 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac is better value at £193 vs £250.
For beginners: Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac 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 £193)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£193 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Ragnaud?
Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Ragnaud Sabourin No 35 Fontvieille Cognac