Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star SpiritsLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryNorth Star SpiritsLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV46.6%56.5%
Age50 yr12 yr
Price£210.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits

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 Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits is better value at £211 vs £250.

For beginners: Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +More affordable (£210.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 12 years)
  • +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 £210.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Blended?

Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain 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 Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitNuttyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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