Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinGlenfiddich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£179
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky is better value at £179 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky 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 £179)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£179 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky 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 Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Chinese New Year 2024 Speyside Whisky

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyCitric

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