Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryGlen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Grant
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%58.1%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£215.71
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) is better value at £216 vs £299.

For beginners: Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £215.71)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£215.71 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • 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 Glen?

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyNuttyOld Wood

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