Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Yamazaki
★ 3.50
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Yamazaki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.50/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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 Yamazaki?
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)