Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAberlourLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.7%56.5%
Age33 yr12 yr
Price£364.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)

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 £365.

For beginners: Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£364.95 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 £364.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) 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 Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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