Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
The Glenlivet
£204
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 49.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £250 | £204.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £204 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (70/100 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 £204.37)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£204.37 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
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 Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9644) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)