Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryLagavulinGlenturret
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%45%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£200.52
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £201 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice 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 £200.52)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +More affordable (£200.52 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

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 Glenturret?

Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Glenturret 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 572) - Mackillop's Choice

Old WoodVanillaHoneyToastedNutty

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