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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
£183
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £183.25 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh
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)
Only Braes of Glenlivet 28 Year Old 1994 (Cask 165616) - Woodrow's of Edinburgh