Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
Glenfarclas
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength 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 Glenfarclas 21 Year Old 2001 - Cadenhead's Natural Strength
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)