Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Winter Queen 19 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)The Winter Queen 19 Year Old
DistilleryLagavulinAdelphi
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.5%54.5%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£250£200.76
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

The Winter Queen 19 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Winter Queen 19 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Winter Queen 19 Year Old is better value at £201 vs £250.

For beginners: The Winter Queen 19 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 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 £200.76)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Winter Queen 19 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£200.76 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
  • 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 Winter Queen 19 Year Old 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only The Winter Queen 19 Year Old

SherriedMalt ExtractOld WoodToasted

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