Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select
Jefferson's
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jefferson's | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −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 £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Jefferson's?
Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Jefferson's 20 Year Old Presidential Select
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)