Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026
Johnnie Walker
£230
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.7% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £230.25 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026 is better value at £230 vs £299.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£230.25 vs £299)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £230.25)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Horse 2026 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 - Year of the Horse 2026
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary