Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet
Miyagikyo
★ 4.50
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Miyagikyo | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Miyagikyo?
Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Miyagikyo Sherry & Sweet
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)