Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
North of Scotland
★ 5.00
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | North of Scotland |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 41% |
| Age | 12 yr | 46 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 North?
North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)