Tobermory 32 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tobermory 32 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryTobermoryLagavulin
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.1%56.5%
Age32 yr12 yr
Price£181.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Tobermory 32 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tobermory 32 Year Old

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).

Tobermory 32 Year Old is better value at £182 vs £250.

For beginners: Tobermory 32 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tobermory 32 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£181.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
  • 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 £181.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tobermory?

Tobermory 32 Year Old 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.

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 Tobermory 32 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolateHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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