Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Four Roses
£188
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Four Roses | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.3% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £187.5 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 is better value at £188 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£187.5 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
- −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 £187.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)