Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)
Aultmore
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Aultmore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers) 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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — 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 Aultmore?
Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers) 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 Aultmore 21 Year Old 1991 (Three Rivers)