Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Lochnagar
★ 4.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Lochnagar |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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 Royal Lochnagar 16 Year Old (Special Release 2021)