Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

• +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
• +Better value for money
• +More affordable (£250 vs £295)
• +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 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

Pros

• +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
• +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
• +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
• +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

• −More expensive (£295 vs £250)
• −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 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.