Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£186
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £185.86 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £186 vs £250.
For beginners: Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £185.86)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£185.86 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
- −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 Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)