Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)
DistilleryLagavulinDrinks by the Dram
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.5%44.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition) is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition) is more approachable (75/100 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 £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199.95 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 The?

The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only The Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2025 Edition)

VanillaHoneyToastedSherriedOld Wood

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