Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryVery Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
DistilleryLagavulinVery Olde St Nick
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£244
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is better value at £244 vs £299.

For beginners: Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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 £244)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£244 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Very?

Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Very Olde St Nick Harvest Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

ChocolateToastedNuttyTobacco

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