Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
Auchentoshan
£399
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
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 £399.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
Pros
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 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 Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange