Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky
Chivas
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Chivas | 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 |
Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch 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).
Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
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 Chivas?
Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Chivas Imperial 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Blended Scotch Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)