Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Aberlour
£380
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 31 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £379.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £380.
For beginners: Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£379.95 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 £379.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Aberlour 31 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange