Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions
The Glenlivet
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Glenlivet 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.7%) — 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 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions 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 20 Year Old Helios - Single Cask Editions