Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenburgie
£187
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £186.91 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £187 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 £186.91)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£186.91 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — 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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)