Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum
New Grove
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | New Grove |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum 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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 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 New?
New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only New Grove Emotion '1969' Rum