Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice
Glen Garioch
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Garioch |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.83 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (70/100 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 £199.83)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.83 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 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 Glen?
Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 8554) - Mackillop's Choice