Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak ReserveLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryGlenfiddichLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£199£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value25/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £199 vs £199.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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 2021) 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 Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalDried Fruit

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