Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Aberlour
£209
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Aberlour |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £209.01 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £209 vs £250.
For beginners: Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
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 £209.01)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£209.01 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.9%) — 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 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.
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (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 2017)
Only Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 (cask 9967) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)