Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015
DistilleryLagavulinGlen Scotia
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46%
Age12 yr16 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value20/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015 is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • 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 Glen?

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

ToastedHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractSandy

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glen Scotia 16 Year Old - Pre 2015

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