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)
Lagavulin
★ 4.17
£299

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pittyvaich
★ 5.00
£350
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) | Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Pittyvaich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.9% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £350 |
| Rating | 4.17/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
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)
Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna