Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland
Aberlour
£182
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Aberlour |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £182.39 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland is better value at £182 vs £250.
For beginners: Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £182.39)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +More affordable (£182.39 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland 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)
Only Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland