Jameson 4.5L vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Jameson 4.5L | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jameson | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £169.5 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.17/5 |
Jameson 4.5L
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Jameson 4.5L
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Quick verdict
Jameson 4.5L is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).
Jameson 4.5L is better value at £170 vs £199.
For beginners: Jameson 4.5L is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Jameson 4.5L
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£169.5 vs £199)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £169.5)
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Jameson?
Jameson 4.5L suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019) 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 Jameson 4.5L
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)