Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryLagavulinGlentauchers
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.8%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - 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 £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 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 Glentauchers?

Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glentauchers 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 18/100) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried Fruit

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