Miyagikyo 15 Year Old vs Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019

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

Miyagikyo 15 Year OldLagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019
DistilleryMiyagikyoLagavulin
Region
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45%50.9%
Age15 yr21 yr
Price£699£999
Rating5.00/5

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £999.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019 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 Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Lagavulin 21 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2019

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinalDried Fruit

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