Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited EditionLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryHibikiLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£272.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £273.

For beginners: Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£272.95 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £272.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Hibiki?

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitToastedNutty

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select - Limited Edition

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Explore more