Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinRoyal Lochnagar
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£183
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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 £183)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£183 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Royal?

Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SherriedDried FruitChocolateToastedTobacco

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