Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
DistilleryLagavulinTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%55.8%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£200
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish is more approachable (25/100 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 £200)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • 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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish

Cooked FruitFresh FruitToasted

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