Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)
DistilleryLagavulinJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.5%43%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£180
Rating5.00/54.60/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner70/100
Value26/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.60).

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 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 Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old - 1990s (75cl)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedDried Fruit

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