Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)
DistilleryLagavulinMiyagikyo
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017) is more approachable (60/100 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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish (bottled 2017)

Cooked FruitVanillaToastedNew WoodYeasty

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