Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%53.2%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£384.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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 £385.

For beginners: Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 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 £384.95)

Cons

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

Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£384.95 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 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Springbank 25 Year Old 1991 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedLeatheryDried FruitHoneyOld Wood

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