Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Ichiro
★ 5.00
£203
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ichiro | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £202.71 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts is better value at £203 vs £250.
For beginners: Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£202.71 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £202.71)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ichiro's?
Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts 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 Ichiro's Malt 1986 King of Hearts
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)