White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryWhite OakLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60%56.5%
Age10 yr12 yr
Price£190.03£250
Rating5.00/5

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old

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).

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£190.03 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £190.03)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy White?

White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old 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 White Oak Akashi Single Malt 10 Year Old

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitChocolateVanilla

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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