Balblair 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balblair 21 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balblair 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Balblair 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Balblair 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 21 Year Old 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 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 Balblair 21 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Balblair 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange