Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Glen Grant
£207

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 27 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £206.62 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
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 Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £207 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +More affordable (£206.62 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (27 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 £206.62)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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 Grant 1990 (cask 17246) (bottled 2017) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)