Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail)
Glen Grant
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £200 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail)
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 Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail) 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 Glen Grant 21 Year Old (Gordon and MacPhail)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)