Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman
Springbank
£210
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £210 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman is more approachable (50/100 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 £210)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.8%) — 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 Springbank?
Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Springbank 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 290) - The Maltman