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)Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition
DistilleryLagavulinKanosuke
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Kanosuke Limited Edition (2021 Release) - Second Edition

VanillaToastedMalt ExtractNew WoodFresh Fruit

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