Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter PassedLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryWemyss MaltsLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.6%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£187.29£250
Rating5.00/5

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed

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).

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed

Pros

  • +More affordable (£187.29 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
  • 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 £187.29)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Wemyss?

Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed 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.

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 Wemyss Malts 25 Year Old - A Quarter Passed

Old WoodVanillaDried FruitToastedHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more