Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Barton Brands |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Quick verdict
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +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
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 Barton's?
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange