Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) vs George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinGeorge T. Stagg
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV57.3%69.4%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£150£160
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner35/100
Value31/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) is better value at £150 vs £160.

For beginners: George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £160)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (69.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£160 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) 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 George?

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) 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

Both taste of

New Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

VanillaHoneyToastedNutty

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)

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