Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54%
Age12 yr24 yr
Price£250£211.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask is better value at £212 vs £250.

For beginners: Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask is more approachable (60/100 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 £211.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£211.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — 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 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyCitricLeathery

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