Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)
Strathisla
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £250 | £195 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory) is more approachable (70/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Strathisla 9 Year Old 1990 (casks 5410+11) - (Signatory)