Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Glenfiddich
★ 4.14
£243
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.7% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £242.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.14/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.14).
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru is better value at £243 vs £299.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£242.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £242.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru 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 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary