Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015
Glen Scotia
★ 5.00
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Scotia |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 Glen?
Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glen Scotia 21 Year Old - Pre 2015