Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey
Black Maple Hill
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Black Maple Hill | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Black?
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Black Maple Hill Small Batch Rye Oregon Straight Rye Whiskey
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)