Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Midleton Very Rare 2026
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Midleton Very Rare 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Midleton Very Rare 2026
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Midleton Very Rare 2026
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 2026 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2026 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Midleton Very Rare 2026
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 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 Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2026 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Midleton Very Rare 2026