Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Four Roses
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Four Roses |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.5% | 54% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) is more approachable (45/100 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — 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 Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) 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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)