Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£633
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)
Lagavulin
£499
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 58% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £632.95 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002) is better value at £499 vs £633.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £499)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£499 vs £632.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old 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 2002) 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
Both taste of
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2002)