Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlen OrdLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.7%56.5%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£201.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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 Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £202 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£201.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.7%) — 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 £201.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Ord 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaToastedMalt Extract

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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