Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Scotia
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr16 yr
Price£250£186.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 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 £186.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£186.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Scotia 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)

SherriedChocolateDried Fruit

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