Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)
Old Quaker
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Old Quaker |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 4 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L) is more approachable (85/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 4 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 Old?
Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Old Quaker 4 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 1970s (1.13L)