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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Knockdhu
£364
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Knockdhu |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £250 | £363.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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)
Only Knockdhu 32 Year Old 1991 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)