Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

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

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury RoyalLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerLagavulin
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43.8%56.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating5.00/54.71/5

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value16/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.71).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012) 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 Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2012)

SmokeyCitricMedicinalOily

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