Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Grant
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£206.62
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £207 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 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 £206.62)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£206.62 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 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 Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyToasted

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