Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryHighland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%50.6%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£299£235.15
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £235 vs £299.

For beginners: Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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 (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £235.15)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£235.15 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old (cask 12134) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SherriedHoneyToastedOld Wood

Explore more