Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen GrantLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%56.5%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£208.55£250
Rating5.00/5

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - 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 Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £209 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£208.55 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 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 £208.55)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - 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 Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt ExtractOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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