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)Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
DistilleryLagavulinTeaninich
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%65%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£250£344.14
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Hay-likeLeafyMalt ExtractVegetativeFresh Fruit

Explore more