Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49%
Age12 yr6 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 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 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Octomore?

Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kippery

Only Octomore 6 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Toasted

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