Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinGlenburgie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54.7%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£182.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 £182.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenburgie 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£182.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — 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 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 6528 & 6582) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

ToastedOld WoodVanillaMalt ExtractHoney

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