Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Brackla |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £219.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £250.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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 £219.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£219.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old 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 Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange