Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Johnnie Walker
★ 3.96
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old | 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 | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.96/5 | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.96).
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
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 Platinum Label 18 Year Old 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 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 Platinum Label 18 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)