Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Garnheath
£191
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Garnheath | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.5% | 56.5% |
| Age | 28 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £190.71 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is better value at £191 vs £250.
For beginners: Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£190.71 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
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 £190.71)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Garnheath?
Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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 Garnheath 28 Year Old 1986 (cask 22156) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)