Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Garioch
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%47%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£185
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 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 £185)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£185 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 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 Glen?

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitNuttyTobacco

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