Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Keith
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%52.2%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£250£189.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 £189.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£189.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.2%) — 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 Glen?

Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 Glen Keith 28 Year Old 1993 (cask 4827) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Old WoodVanillaHoneyDried FruitToasted

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