Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

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

Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
Glengoyne
★ 4.75
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glengoyne |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.75/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.75).
Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.8 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 Glengoyne?
Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013 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 Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013