Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%55.4%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value20/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water

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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalKippery

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

SherriedChocolateTobacco

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