Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Talisker
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 45.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts is more approachable (50/100 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Talisker?
Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts