Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) 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
- +More affordable (£250 vs £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange