Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 3.40
£179

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | That Boutique-y Whisky Company | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £178.95 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.40/5 | 5.00/5 |
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.40).
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +More affordable (£178.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.4 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 £178.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Japanese?
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 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 Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)