Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Ballantine's
★ 5.00
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Lagavulin |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 Ballantine's 21 Year Old - 1980s
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)