Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Glenfarclas
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 25 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)