Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025) vs Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.5%48.8%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£131.5£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £83 vs £132.

For beginners: Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£131.5 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £131.5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025) 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 Blended?

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)

SmokeySherriedOilyCooked FruitLeathery

Only Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2025)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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