Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Shinshu
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Shinshu | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57% | 56.5% |
| Age | 3 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Mars?
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 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 Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)