Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory
DistilleryLagavulinHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%43%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£250£184.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory 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 £184.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

HoneyToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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