Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Forgotten Gems
★ 3.00
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Forgotten Gems |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (35/100 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
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 Blended?
Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems