Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£185
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky) is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £184.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Highland?
Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)