Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
Glenrothes
£450
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glenrothes |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 57.7% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £450.
For beginners: Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £450)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Glenrothes 8 Year Old / Bot.1970s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky