Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
Glengoyne
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glengoyne | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glengoyne?
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 17 Year Old - 1980s
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Glengoyne 17 Year Old - 1980s
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange