GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlenDronachLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.4%56.5%
Age24 yr12 yr
Price£209.73£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value24/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401) is better value at £210 vs £250.

For beginners: GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£209.73 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £209.73)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy GlenDronach?

GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401) 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 GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 401)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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