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)Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts
DistilleryLagavulinTalisker
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%45.8%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalKippery

Only Talisker 12 Year Old - Friends of the Classic Malts

SherriedCitric

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