Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Scotia
£193

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Scotia | Lagavulin |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £193.46 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £193 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£193.46 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — 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 £193.46)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Scotia 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 329) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)