Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
GlenAllachie
£211
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | GlenAllachie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £250 | £210.79 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £211 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas 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 £210.79)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£210.79 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.8%) — 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 Glenallachie?
Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas 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)
Only Glenallachie 40 Year Old 1972 (cask 8217) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)