Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryLagavulinAberfeldy
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%44.3%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£179.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 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 £179.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 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 Aberfeldy?

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractOld WoodToasted

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