Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port
DistilleryLagavulinNiepoort
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£181.75
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port is better value at £182 vs £250.

For beginners: Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port is more approachable (70/100 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 £181.75)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£181.75 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Niepoort?

Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Niepoort 30 Year Old Tawny Port

Dried FruitNuttyToastedSherriedHoney

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