Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Tomatin
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive is more approachable (35/100 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
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.8%) — 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 Tomatin?
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive 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 Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Tomatin 13 Year Old 2002 (cask 34915) Pedro Ximénez Cask - Distillery Exclusive
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange