Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
Clynelish
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan 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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
Pros
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan 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)
Only Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan