Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Aberfeldy
£300
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Aberfeldy |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
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 £300.
For beginners: Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 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 £299.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299.5 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Aberfeldy?
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish 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)
Only Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old - Exceptional Cask Series - Pauillac Red Wine Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange