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)Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
DistilleryLagavulinHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%43.4%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£184.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value27/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10526) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

SherriedHoneyToastedOld WoodDried Fruit

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