Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Clynelish
£205
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £204.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single is better value at £205 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single 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 £204.55)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£204.55 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single 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 Clynelish 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 908098) - The Duncan Taylor Single