Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Garnheath
£192
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Garnheath |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 44.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £250 | £191.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £192 vs £250.
For beginners: Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (75/100 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 £191.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£191.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 12 years)
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 Garnheath?
Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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)
Only Garnheath 42 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)