Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Clynelish
£187
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £187.16 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £187 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (50/100 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 £187.16)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£187.16 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — 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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 8805) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)