Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
DistilleryLagavulinGlenturret
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%50%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£250£185
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (55/100 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 £185)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenturret 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£185 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) 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 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 94041) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolateNutty

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