Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinArran
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%47.8%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)

Cons

  • 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 Arran?

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitTobacco

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