Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
Kanosuke
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kanosuke |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition 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
Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — 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 Kanosuke?
Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second 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 Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition