Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Yoichi Woody & Vanillic

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Yoichi Woody & Vanillic
DistilleryLagavulinYoichi
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%55%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Yoichi Woody & Vanillic

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yoichi Woody & Vanillic

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yoichi Woody & Vanillic is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Yoichi Woody & Vanillic is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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

Yoichi Woody & Vanillic

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • 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 Yoichi?

Yoichi Woody & Vanillic 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Yoichi Woody & Vanillic

VanillaOld WoodToasted

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