Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenburgie
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenburgie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £198.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (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).
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£198.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £198.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Glenburgie 25 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)