J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero
J.P. Wiser's
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | J.P. Wiser's | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Canada | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 64.5% | 56.5% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £200.12 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero
Pros
- +More affordable (£200.12 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (64.5%) — 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 £200.12)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy J.P.?
J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero 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 J.P. Wiser's 22 Year Old 1998 - Ex Libris Smaller Hero
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)