Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026
Loch Lomond
£189
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Loch Lomond |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £250 | £188.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026 is better value at £189 vs £250.
For beginners: Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026 is more approachable (55/100 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 £188.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026
Pros
- +More affordable (£188.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 Loch?
Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Loch Lomond 19 Year Old 154th Royal Brikdale The Open Course Collection 2026