Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag
Arbikie
£197
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Arbikie |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £196.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag is better value at £197 vs £250.
For beginners: Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £196.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag
Pros
- +More affordable (£196.5 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 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.
Who should buy Arbikie?
Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Arbikie Highland Rye Artist Edition No.1 - Francis Boag