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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Scotia
★ 5.00
£190
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Scotia |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £190 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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)
Only Glen Scotia 26 Year Old 1992 (batch 18/036) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)