Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Auchentoshan
★ 3.00
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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
Only Auchentoshan 21 Year Old - Pre 2008
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)