Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAuchentoshanLagavulin
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.7%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£274.99£250
Rating5.00/5

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £275.

For beginners: Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£274.99 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 £274.99)

Cons

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

Who should buy Auchentoshan?

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor) 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 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 3512062) - (Duncan Taylor)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Explore more