Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinKnockdhu
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%48.8%
Age12 yr32 yr
Price£250£363.5
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £364.

For beginners: Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £363.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£363.5 vs £250)
  • 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 Knockdhu?

Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Malt ExtractOld WoodToastedHoneyLeathery

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