Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinAllt-á-Bhainne
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.5%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£179.78
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask is more approachable (35/100 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 £179.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +More affordable (£179.78 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — 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 Allt-á-Bhainne?

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedFresh FruitNutty

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