Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Grant
£186

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £185.62 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £186 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£185.62 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −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 £185.62)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 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 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)