Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Tomatin
£380
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £250 | £379.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
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 £380.
For beginners: Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 £379.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£379.95 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 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Tomatin 42 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange