Glenmorangie 80:20 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Glenmorangie 80:20 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenmorangie | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenmorangie 80:20
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenmorangie 80:20
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenmorangie 80:20 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenmorangie 80:20 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenmorangie 80:20
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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
Who should buy Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie 80:20 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Glenmorangie 80:20
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)