Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)
DistilleryLagavulinJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£211.15
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box) is better value at £211 vs £250.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box) is more approachable (50/100 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 £211.15)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£211.15 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box) 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Brora & Rare (Ghost & Rare) (Without Presentation Box)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitTobaccoLeathery

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