Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)
Glen Garioch
£195
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Garioch |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £194.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (35/100 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 £194.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −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 Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks) 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 Garioch 21 Year Old 2003 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.91 (Decadent Drinks)