Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask
GlenAllachie
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | GlenAllachie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask
Pros
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
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 £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenallachie?
Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask 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 Glenallachie 22 Year Old 1981 (cask 599) - First Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)