Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl)
Yamazaki
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Yamazaki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl) 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Yamazaki?
Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive (30cl) 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 Distillery Exclusive (30cl)