Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryFour RosesLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£195£250
Rating5.00/5

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024

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 Limited Edition / Bot.2024 is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Four?

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024 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 Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition / Bot.2024

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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