Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
Glen Keith
★ 4.50
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Keith |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £179.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 Glen?
Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection