Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998
Auchentoshan
£299
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.7% |
| Age | 24 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1998 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 24 Year Old 1998
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary