Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Glenmorangie
★ 2.00
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenmorangie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | 2.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (2.0 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
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare – Azuma Makoto Limited Edition
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange