Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)
DistilleryLagavulinMidleton
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£204.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design) is better value at £205 vs £250.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design) is more approachable (60/100 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 £204.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£204.95 vs £250)

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 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 Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Pot Still character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy (Old Design)

ToastedVanillaHoneyNutty

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