Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)
DistilleryLagavulinChivas Regal
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£209.99
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L) is better value at £210 vs £250.

For beginners: Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L) 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 £209.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£209.99 vs £250)

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 Chivas?

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Chivas Regal 12 Year Old (4.5L)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedCitric

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