Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinDeanston
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%50.9%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£180
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky is more approachable (60/100 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 £180)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — 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 Deanston?

Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky 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 Deanston 21 Year Old 2000 Organic Whisky

SherriedHoneyDried FruitVanilla

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