Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Johnnie Walker
★ 3.96
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.96/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.96).
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old