Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryLagavulinThompson Bros.
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%52.5%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£179.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 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 £179.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Aldunie?

Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) 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

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Aldunie Blended Whisky 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.)

Old WoodSherriedVanillaHoneyNutty

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