Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift BoxLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGrahamsLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£187£250
Rating5.00/5

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box

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).

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£187 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £187)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Graham's?

Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny Port / Gift Box

Dried FruitOld WoodNuttyHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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