Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Glenburgie
£209
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £209.24 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £209 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice 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 £209.24)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More affordable (£209.24 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — 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 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice 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 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice