Aberlour 19 Year Old 1974 (cask 11026) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Aberlour 19 Year Old 1974 (cask 11026) - First Cask

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Aberlour 19 Year Old 1974 (cask 11026) - First Cask

Pros

• +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
• +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

• −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
• −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
• −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

• −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
• −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 19 Year Old 1974 (cask 11026) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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.