Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryTomatinLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.7%56.5%
Age40 yr12 yr
Price£204.45£250
Rating5.00/5

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) is better value at £204 vs £250.

For beginners: Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£204.45 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £204.45)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tomatin?

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

HoneyOld WoodVanillaToastedNutty

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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