Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1
DistilleryLagavulinGlenAllachie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%51.4%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1 is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • 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 GlenAllachie?

GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only GlenAllachie 21 Year Old - Batch 1

SherriedChocolateHoneyCitric

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