Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Johnnie Walker
★ 5.00
£399
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Lagavulin |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.8% | 56.4% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008) is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008) 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 Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2008)