John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970sLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryPowersLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£288£250
Rating5.00/5

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £288.

For beginners: John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£288 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £288)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy John?

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s 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 John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

John Power & Son Gold Label - 1970s

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Explore more