Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
DistilleryLagavulinGlenburgie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr29 yr
Price£250£187.5
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd is better value at £188 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd 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 £187.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

Pros

  • +More affordable (£187.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Glenburgie?

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitToastedTobacco

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