Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition
Arbikie
£188
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Arbikie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 4 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £187.87 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition is better value at £188 vs £250.
For beginners: Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£187.87 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 4 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £187.87)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Arbikie?
Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Arbikie 4 Year Old Highland Rye Limited Edition
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)