Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£313
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tobermory |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 49.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £313.09 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £313.
For beginners: Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £313.09)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£313.09 vs £250)
- −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 Tobermory?
Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle) 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)
Only Tobermory 26 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (White Tailed Eagle)