Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Knockdhu
£381
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Knockdhu | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.6% | 56.5% |
| Age | 34 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £380.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 £381.
For beginners: Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (34 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£380.95 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 £380.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Knockdhu?
Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 Knockdhu 34 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)