Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
Aberlour
£299

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
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 £299.
For beginners: Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
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-Glenlivet?
Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Aberlour-Glenlivet 9 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Whisky
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange