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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Glenburgie
£188
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £250 | £187.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
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)
Only Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd