Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

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

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary EditionJohnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s
DistilleryLochnagarJohnnie Walker
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.3%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoney

Only Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old - 175th Anniversary Edition

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label Extra Special - 1970s

ToastedMalt Extract

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