Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl
DistilleryLagavulinThe Lakes Distillery
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£197.99
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl

Smoke64/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl is better value at £198 vs £250.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl 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 £197.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£197.99 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 The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Editions Liberty 70cl

ToastedVanillaMalt Extract

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