Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryHighland ParkLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£312£250
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £312.

For beginners: Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£312 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £312)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Highland Park 1999 / 21 Year Old / Old Particular Island Whisky

LeatheryChocolateDried FruitHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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