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 Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£199
| Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)