Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961
DistilleryLagavulinCanadian Club
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandCanada
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%43.4%
Age12 yr6 yr
Price£250£198
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961 is better value at £198 vs £250.

For beginners: Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961 is more approachable (60/100 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £198)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961

Pros

  • +More affordable (£198 vs £250)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Canadian?

Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Canadian Club 6 Year Old Whisky - 1961

VanillaMalt ExtractNew WoodToasted

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