Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum
DistilleryLagavulinFoursquare
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£180
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum is more approachable (70/100 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 £180)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Foursquare?

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Cooked FruitDried FruitVanillaToasted

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