Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
DistilleryLagavulinGlengoyne
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%43%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 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
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s

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