Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth AnniversaryLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBalconesLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV62%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (62%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Balcones?

Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary 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 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.

Tasting notes

Only Balcones Texas High Rye Bourbon - Tenth Anniversary

ChocolateToastedVanillaTobaccoNew Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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