Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Glen Garioch
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Garioch | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £194.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — 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
- −More expensive (£250 vs £194.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) 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 Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)