Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlenfiddichLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024 is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024 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 Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva - Chinese New Year Limited Edition 2024

HoneyVanillaSherriedDried FruitToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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