Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007
Glenfiddich
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve - Pre 2007
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)