Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Lagavulin
£48
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Lower East Side |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £47.95 | £29.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £48.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.95 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt