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)Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan
DistilleryLagavulinClynelish
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr13 yr
Price£250£200
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Clynelish 13 Year Old 1990 (Bottled 2004) - Eilan Gillan

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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