Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky
The Artful Dodger
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Artful Dodger | 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 |
Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky
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 Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +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 Blended?
Blended Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Scotch Whisky 1978 / 41 Year Old / The Artful Dodger Blended Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)