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)Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013
DistilleryLagavulinGlengoyne
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57.2%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/54.75/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glengoyne 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Pre 2013

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractToasted

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