Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)
Suntory
★ 5.00
£300
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Suntory |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 57.7% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £299 | £300 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £300.
For beginners: Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£299 vs £300)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£300 vs £299)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Suntory?
Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Suntory Royal Japanese Whisky - 1980s (Boxed)