Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition
DistilleryLagavulinJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£204.67
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition is better value at £205 vs £250.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition is more approachable (85/100 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 £204.67)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£204.67 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition 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

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label X Rahul Mishra Diwali Limited Edition

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaOld Wood

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