Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Lagavulin
★ 4.67
£199
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Brackla |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £199 | £219.99 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £199 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange