Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Ardmore
£211
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £211 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £211 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£211 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £211)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)