Jameson 4.5L vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Jameson 4.5L | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jameson | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.4% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £169.5 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Jameson 4.5L
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Jameson 4.5L
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Quick verdict
Jameson 4.5L is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) is better value at £150 vs £170.
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£169.5 vs £150)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£150 vs £169.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 2023) 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 2023)
Where to buy
Jameson 4.5L
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange