Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Auchentoshan
£399
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 £399.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange