Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryArdmoreLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%56.5%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£179.95£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value28/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £179.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Ardmore 19 Year Old - Batch 9 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SherriedChocolateDried FruitOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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