Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 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 2022Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryFour RosesLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV54.5%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£195£250
Rating5.00/5

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022

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).

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022

Pros

  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Four?

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 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.

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 2022

VanillaToastedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more