Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)Tullibardine 25 Year Old
DistilleryLagavulinTullibardine
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.4%43%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£199£155
Rating4.67/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value23/100

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value32/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is better value at £155 vs £199.

For beginners: Tullibardine 25 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £155)
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£155 vs £199)

Cons

  • 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 Tullibardine?

Tullibardine 25 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

ToastedHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokeyCooked Fruit

Only Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Malt ExtractVanillaNutty

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