Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Arran
★ 5.00
£200

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Arran | Lagavulin |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 27 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Arran?
Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)