Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of ScotlandLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAberlourLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£182.39£250
Rating5.00/5

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland is better value at £182 vs £250.

For beginners: Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +More affordable (£182.39 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £182.39)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland 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.

Tasting notes

Only Aberlour 1990 (bottled 2017) (cask 17034) - Malts of Scotland

Malt ExtractHoneyOld WoodVanillaToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more