Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenburgie
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £198.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 £198.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£198.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)