Aultmore 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Aultmore 21 Year Old
Aultmore
★ 5.00
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Aultmore 21 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aultmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aultmore 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Aultmore 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Aultmore 21 Year Old is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Aultmore 21 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Aultmore 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aultmore?
Aultmore 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Aultmore 21 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)