Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Glendullan
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glendullan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.6% | 56.5% |
| Age | 26 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £194.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — 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 £194.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glendullan?
Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Glendullan 26 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)