Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish
DistilleryLagavulinGlendalough
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish 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 £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (17 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 Glendalough?

Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glendalough 17 Year Old Irish Whiskey - Mizunara Oak Finish

HoneyCitricToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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