Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)
Shinshu
£210
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Shinshu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £210 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019) is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019) is more approachable (35/100 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £210)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)
Pros
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (56%) — 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 Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mars Komagatake Tsunuki Aging (Bottled 2019)