Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryHighland ParkLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%56.8%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£343.95£299
Rating5.00/54.86/5

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value16/100

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) is better value at £299 vs £344.

For beginners: Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £299)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £343.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

HoneyOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)

OilyMedicinalLeathery

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