Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition
The Glenlivet
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition is more approachable (35/100 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 £179.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.6%) — 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 The?
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition 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 The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Ladderfoot - Single Cask Edition