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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)
Aberfeldy
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Aberfeldy |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 44.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)
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)
Only Aberfeldy 27 Year Old 1991 (Master of Malt)