Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinGlengoyne
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£250£395
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £395.

For beginners: Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask 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 affordable (£250 vs £395)

Cons

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

Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£395 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask 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 Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

VanillaOld WoodDried FruitHoneyToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask

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