Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Scotia
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%55.5%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£250£190
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value26/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £190)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£190 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • 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 Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

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