Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask FinishLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlengoyneLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%56.5%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (16 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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Glengoyne 16 Year Old - Glenguin Shiraz Cask Finish

Cooked FruitSherriedTobaccoOld WoodChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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