Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryGlencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured
DistilleryLagavulinGlencadam
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%55%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£299£229.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured is better value at £230 vs £299.

For beginners: Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured is more approachable (45/100 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 £229.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured

Pros

  • +More affordable (£229.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — 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 Glencadam?

Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured 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 Glencadam 20 Year Old 1999 (cask 1) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt Matured

SherriedChocolateDried FruitVanillaToasted

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