Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask FinishLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen MorayLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£229.74£250
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value20/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish is better value at £230 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£229.74 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £229.74)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish 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 Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Cooked FruitDried FruitHoneyOld WoodSherried

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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