Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryAuchentoshanLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%57.7%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£225£299
Rating5.00/5

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£225 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £225)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glentoshan?

Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky 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 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Glentoshan (Auchentoshan) Pure Malt / Bot.1970s Lowland Whisky

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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