Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary
Balcones
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balcones |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.5% | 62% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (62%) — 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 Balcones?
Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary 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 Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary