Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L)
Glenfarclas
★ 3.50
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L) 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 Glenfarclas 18 Year Old (1L)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)