Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
Tobermory
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tobermory |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Ledaig?
Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Ledaig 21 Year Old 1998 Marsala Cask Finish