Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route
Johnnie Walker
★ 4.50
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Lagavulin |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route 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 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 Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection - The Royal Route
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)