Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen SpeyLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.2%56.5%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£196.5£250
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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).

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £197 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£196.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 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 £196.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Spey 26 Year Old 1994 (cask 5350) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitCooked FruitChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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