Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Glen Garioch
★ 5.00
£258
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Garioch | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £257.57 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £258 vs £299.
For beginners: Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£257.57 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £257.57)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 (Old Bottling)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary