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)Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Keith
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%43%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£179.95
Rating5.00/54.50/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Keith 21 Year Old - Secret Speyside Collection

Fresh FruitNuttyHoneyMalt ExtractLeafy

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