Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Westertower Blending Company
£216
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Westertower Blending Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | The Netherlands |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £216 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s is better value at £216 vs £299.
For beginners: Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s 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 £216)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£216 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 Westertower's?
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s