Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

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

Royal Brackla 21 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky
DistilleryBracklaLagavulin
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£219.99£199
Rating5.00/5

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

Smoke65/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £220.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£219.99 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Cooked Fruit

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SherriedVanillaOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Special Releases 2018 / 18th Release Islay Whisky

SmokeyKipperyLeathery

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