Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryCompass BoxLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£195£250
Rating5.00/5

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky

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).

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Compass?

Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Compass Box Celestial Blended Scotch Whisky

LeafyCitric

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

OilyKippery

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