Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tomintoul |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £250 | £223.7 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £250.
For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £223.7)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£223.7 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −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 Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask