Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryDufftownLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£193£250
Rating5.00/5

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old

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).

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old is better value at £193 vs £250.

For beginners: Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£193 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 £193)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Singleton?

Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old 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 Singleton of Dufftown 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more