Miyagikyo Malty & Soft vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Miyagikyo Malty & Soft | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Miyagikyo | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Miyagikyo Malty & Soft
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Miyagikyo Malty & Soft
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Miyagikyo Malty & Soft is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Miyagikyo Malty & Soft is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Miyagikyo Malty & Soft
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Miyagikyo?
Miyagikyo Malty & Soft suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Miyagikyo Malty & Soft
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)