Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971
Glen Grant
£180
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 5 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971
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 5 Year Old - 1971 is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 5 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 5 Year Old - 1971 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 5 Year Old - 1971
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)