Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinGlenglassaugh
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%45.2%
Age12 yr34 yr
Price£250£195.19
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 £195.19)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£195.19 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Glenglassaugh?

Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Glenglassaugh 34 Year Old 1979 (cask 1547) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Old WoodHoneyDried FruitNuttyTobacco

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