Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)
DistilleryLagavulinJack Daniel's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltTennessee
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/54.25/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value21/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).

Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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

Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 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 Jack?

Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Tennessee character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Jack Daniel's 160th Birthday 1850-2010 (1L)

VanillaToastedHoneyCooked Mash

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