Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)
DistilleryLagavulinInvergordon
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%53.3%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£250£195.36
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value26/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £195.36)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£195.36 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Greenkeeper's?

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) 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 Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

MossyLeafyOld WoodNuttyHay-like

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