Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Powers
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Powers |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | Irish |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £195 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange 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 £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£195 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 Powers?
Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange 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 Powers 2005 Small Batch / 17 Year Old / Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange