Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Brackla
★ 5.00
£233
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Brackla |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £299 | £232.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is better value at £233 vs £299.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £232.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£232.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish