Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Willowbank 18 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
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Willowbank
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Willowbank |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | New Zealand |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
- −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 Willowbank?
Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Willowbank 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)