Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Glen Keith
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glen Keith |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.64 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 £179.64)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£179.64 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 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 Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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 Keith 28 Year Old 1988 (cask 26689) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)