Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten GemsLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryForgotten GemsLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV58%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£199.95£250
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Blended?

Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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 Blended Japanese Whisky 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Old WoodVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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