Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
Tomatin
£204
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £250 | £204.45 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) is better value at £204 vs £250.
For beginners: Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) is more approachable (55/100 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 £204.45)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
Pros
- +More affordable (£204.45 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
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 Tomatin?
Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands) 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 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)