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

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

Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish
Tobermory
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tobermory |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish is more approachable (45/100 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
- −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 Tobermory?
Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Tobermory 21 Year Old Manzanilla Finish