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 OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryAultmoreLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Aultmore 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Aultmore 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt ExtractHay-likeOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more