Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Inchgower
£295
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Inchgower |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £250 | £294.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £295.
For beginners: Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £294.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£294.9 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Inchgower?
Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange