Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1
Teeling
£196
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Teeling |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £195.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1 is better value at £196 vs £250.
For beginners: Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1 is more approachable (75/100 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 £195.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£195.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Teeling?
Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1 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 Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.1