Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryFettercairnLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45%56.5%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay)

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).

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Fettercairn 26 Year Old - Stillman's Dram (Whyte & Mackay)

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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