Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Glenburgie
£209
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenburgie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 56.5% |
| Age | 26 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £209.24 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
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 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £209 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More affordable (£209.24 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — 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 £209.24)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Glenburgie 26 Year Old 1989 (cask 16309) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)