Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryLagavulinPittyvaich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.9%43%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£350
Rating4.17/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value14/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £350)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) 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 Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyDried FruitLeathery

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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