Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinAberfeldy
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%44.3%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£232.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £233 vs £250.

For beginners: Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (75/100 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 £232.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£232.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 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 Aberfeldy?

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneySherriedVanillaDried Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Aberfeldy 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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