Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition
Royal Salute
£191
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Royal Salute |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £190.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition is better value at £191 vs £250.
For beginners: Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition is more approachable (85/100 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 £190.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£190.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
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 Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Harris Reed Blue Edition