Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen
WV Baker
£179
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | WV Baker |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £179 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £179)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£179 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 WV?
WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only WV Baker 1987 Old Rare Old Cognac N° 01-87 / Cyclamen