Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinGlengoyne
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.6%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask is more approachable (50/100 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — 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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glengoyne 19 Year Old (cask 1921) - Single Cask

SherriedDried FruitHoneyChocolateOld Wood

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