Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Tomatin
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 44.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald) 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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald) 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 Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Tomatin 30 Year Old 1973 (cask 30451) - Very Rare (R.N. MacDonald)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange