Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 3.00
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Master of Malt |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £250 | £194.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition) 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £194.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (1st Edition)