Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
Aberlour
£365

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 33 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £364.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
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 £365.
For beginners: Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£364.95 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 £364.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Aberlour 33 Year Old 1989 & 1991 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.92 (Decadent Drinks)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange