Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

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

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay WhiskyGlengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
DistilleryLagavulinGlengoyne
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%50.3%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£750£995
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky

Smoke65/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky is better value at £750 vs £995.

For beginners: Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£750 vs £995)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£995 vs £750)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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 1989 Distillers Edition / Bot.2005 Islay Whisky

SmokeySherriedKipperyOld Wood

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

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