Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAberlourLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside 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 Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

SherriedHoneyDried FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Aberlour 12 Year Old VOHM / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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