Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve vs Stauning HØST

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

Lismore 12 Year Old Special ReserveStauning HØST
DistilleryLismoreStauning
Region
CountryScotlandDenmark
TypeBlendedBlended
ABV40%40.5%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£42.95£41.5
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Stauning HØST

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Stauning HØST

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Stauning HØST is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Stauning HØST is better value at £42 vs £43.

For beginners: Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£42.95 vs £41.5)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

Stauning HØST

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£41.5 vs £42.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Lismore?

Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve 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 Stauning?

Stauning HØST suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Lismore 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Malt ExtractVanillaHoney

Only Stauning HØST

New WoodFresh FruitVegetativeCooked Fruit

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