Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Jack Daniel's
★ 5.00
£150
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Lagavulin
★ 4.00
£250
| Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jack Daniel's | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Tennessee | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.4% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £150 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 is better value at £150 vs £250.
For beginners: Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Jack?
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) 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
Both taste of
Only Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Where to buy
Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.1
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange