Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Paul John Kanya
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Paul John Kanya | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Paul John |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | India |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £210 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 2.67/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Paul John Kanya
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Paul John Kanya
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.67).
Paul John Kanya is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Paul John Kanya is more approachable (70/100 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
Paul John Kanya
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (2.7 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 Paul?
Paul John Kanya 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 Paul John Kanya