Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak ReserveLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)
DistilleryGlenfiddichLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%57.3%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£199£150
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) is better value at £150 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £199)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 2022) 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

Both taste of

New Wood

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt Extract

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gas

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