Midleton Very Rare 2024 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Midleton Very Rare 2024 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £189.99 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Midleton Very Rare 2024
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Midleton Very Rare 2024
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 2024 is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2024 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 2024
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£189.99 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £189.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2024 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 Midleton Very Rare 2024
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)