Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Girvan
£179
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Girvan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £178.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) is more approachable (45/100 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 £178.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +More affordable (£178.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — 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 Girvan?
Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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 Girvan 1989 (bottled 2019) (cask 167849) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)