Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Tobermory
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tobermory |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Ledaig?
Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Ledaig 20 Year Old (Old Bottling)