Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Pros

• +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
• +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
• +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
• +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 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.