Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinSignatory
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%58.6%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£250£200.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £201 vs £250.

For beginners: Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (35/100 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 £200.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£200.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — 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 Secret?

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2007 (cask DRU17 A190 #19) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitOld Wood

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