Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish
DistilleryLagavulinGlenmorangie
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 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 Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old - Côte De Beaune Finish

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