Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)
Johnnie Walker
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L) is more approachable (85/100 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
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old (1L)