Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still RumLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistillerySingle Barrel SelectionLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum

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).

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum

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 Fiji?

Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum 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 Fiji 2004 / Single Barrel Selection Single Traditional Pot Still Rum

VanillaNuttyLeatheryHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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