Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinAberlour
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%47.9%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£250£379.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £380.

For beginners: Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £379.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£379.95 vs £250)
  • 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 Aberlour?

Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitLeatheryTobacco

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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