Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Ichiro
★ 5.00
£203
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ichiro |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £202.71 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Quick verdict
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts is better value at £203 vs £250.
For beginners: Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts is more approachable (50/100 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 £202.71)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£202.71 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — 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 Ichiro's?
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts