Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
The Macallan
£400
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 59.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
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 £400.
For beginners: The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask is more approachable (50/100 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 £399.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399.95 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 The?
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask 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)
Only The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 13 Year Old 2005 - Exceptional Single Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange