Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) vs Jameson 4.5L

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)Jameson 4.5L
DistilleryLagavulinJameson
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.4%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£150£169.5
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Jameson 4.5L

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value29/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jameson 4.5L

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Jameson 4.5L is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) is better value at £150 vs £170.

For beginners: Jameson 4.5L is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £169.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Jameson 4.5L

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£169.5 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) 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 Jameson?

Jameson 4.5L suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCoal-gas

Only Jameson 4.5L

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyFresh Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Jameson 4.5L

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