Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
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 2020)
Lagavulin
★ 4.67
£199
| Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brackla | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £219.99 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +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 Release 2020)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 Release 2020) 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
Both taste of
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Where to buy
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange