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)Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)
DistilleryLagavulinTomatin
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%47.7%
Age12 yr40 yr
Price£250£204.45
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Tomatin 40 Year Old 1967 (Jim McEwan's Celtic Heartlands)

HoneyOld WoodVanillaToastedNutty

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