Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pulteney
£179
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Pulteney |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +More affordable (£179 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — 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 Old?
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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)
Only Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (cask 52.32) - Highland Whisky Festival 2020 (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)