Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Strathisla
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £194.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) is more approachable (35/100 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 £194.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)