Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Teaninich
★ 5.00
£344
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 65% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £344.14 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £344.
For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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
- +More affordable (£250 vs £344.14)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.14 vs £250)
- −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 Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts