Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky
Compass Box
£285
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Compass Box |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £285 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £285.
For beginners: Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky 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 affordable (£250 vs £285)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£285 vs £250)
- −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 Compass?
Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky 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 Compass Box Vellichor Blended Scotch Whisky