Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinInchgower
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.7%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£205.97
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £206 vs £250.

For beginners: Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 £205.97)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£205.97 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — 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 Inchgower?

Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 Inchgower 25 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedOld WoodNutty

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