Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)
Auchentoshan
£210
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Auchentoshan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £209.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray) is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray) is more approachable (50/100 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 £209.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£209.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −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 Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray) 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 Auchentoshan 23 Year Old 1998 (cask 100390) - Cask Collection (A.D Rattray)