Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 3.40
£179
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £178.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.40/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.40).
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 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 £178.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +More affordable (£178.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.4 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 Japanese?
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)