Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh
DistilleryLagavulinBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%53.8%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£250£183.25
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh is more approachable (45/100 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 £183.25)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh

Pros

  • +More affordable (£183.25 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • 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 Braes?

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh 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 Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedFresh Fruit

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