Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
Springbank
£395
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 54.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £395 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
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 £395.
For beginners: Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood 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 £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
Pros
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 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 Springbank?
Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood 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
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood