Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinAuchroisk
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%53.7%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£202.16
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £202 vs £250.

For beginners: Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 £202.16)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£202.16 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — 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 Auchroisk?

Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Auchroisk 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13827) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

HoneyVanillaOld WoodToasted

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