Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Auchentoshan
★ 3.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Auchentoshan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 is more approachable (70/100 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008