Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Grant
£209
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Grant |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £208.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £209 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 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 £208.55)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£208.55 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)