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)Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54.2%
Age12 yr16 yr
Price£250£395
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Oily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

Only Springbank 16 Year Old 1991 - Rum Wood

Dried FruitHoneyToastedTobacco

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