Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail
The Glenlivet
★ 3.00
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Smith's?
Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Smith's Glenlivet 15 Year Old - Gordon & MacPhail