Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlenkinchieLagavulin
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.4%56.5%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • 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
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenkinchie?

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) 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 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 Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)

SherriedHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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