Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Shinshu
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Shinshu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57% |
| Age | 12 yr | 3 yr |
| Price | £250 | £195 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — may need water
- −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 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.
Who should buy Mars?
Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mars Komagatake 3 Year Old 2011