Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single CaskLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAllt-á-BhainneLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£179.78£250
Rating5.00/5

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

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).

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +More affordable (£179.78 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • 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 £179.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Allt-á-Bhainne?

Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask 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.

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 Allt-á-Bhainne 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 2429) - The Single Cask

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedFresh FruitNutty

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more