Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (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
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Auchentoshan
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Auchentoshan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is more approachable (50/100 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — 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 Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 5.95) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)