Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)
DistilleryLagavulinYoichi
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%58%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£250£185.64
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value27/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka) is better value at £186 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £185.64)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£185.64 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water

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 Yoichi?

Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

OilyKippery

Only Yoichi 1991 Single Cask (Nikka)

ToastedOld WoodMossy

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