Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brackla | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £219.99 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £250.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£219.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £219.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange