Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen GariochLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£185£250
Rating5.00/5

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - 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 Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£185 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £185)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Garioch 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 3856) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitNuttyTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more