Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical EditionLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryIchiroLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV48%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition

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).

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +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 Ichiro's?

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition 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 & Grain World Blended Whisky - Classical Edition

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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