Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)
DistilleryLagavulinGlenburgie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£250£192.23
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky) is better value at £192 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky) is more approachable (45/100 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 £192.23)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£192.23 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — 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 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky) 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 Glenburgie 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 1) - Artist #9 (La Maison du Whisky)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitToastedOld Wood

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