Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of ScotlandLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryThe GlenlivetLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Glenlivet?

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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