Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask
Glen Elgin
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Elgin | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1990 (cask 7869) - First Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)