Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling)
Balvenie
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.99 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 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 £199.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Old Bottling)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)