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)
Defilement
£202

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Defilement | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | England | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 40 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £201.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended 40 Year Old Whisky (Defilement)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)