Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryJack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)
DistilleryLagavulinJack Daniel's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltTennessee
ABV57.7%43%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Jack?

Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Tennessee character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Jack Daniel's 1981 Gold Medal Tennessee Whiskey (1L)

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractTobacco

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