Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna 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
- +More affordable (£250 vs £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 Rosebank?
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange