Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryYoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set
DistilleryLagavulinNikka
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%46%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£340
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set

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 £340.

For beginners: Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set is more approachable (75/100 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 £340)

Cons

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

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£340 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 Yoichi?

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Cask Finish Set

SherriedFresh FruitHoneyVanilla

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