Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)
The Glenlivet
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt) is more approachable (35/100 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 £179.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
- −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 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Glenlivet 26 Year Old 1998 Single Cask - Masterpiece (Master of Malt)