Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryDefilementLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryEnglandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV46.2%56.5%
Age40 yr12 yr
Price£201.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)

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).

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement) is better value at £202 vs £250.

For beginners: Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£201.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 £201.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Blended?

Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)

Old WoodToastedVanillaMalt ExtractLeathery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more