Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen ElginLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.8%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glen Elgin 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 1525) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more