Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First FillLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlengoyneLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£269.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £270.

For beginners: Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£269.95 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £269.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill 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.

Tasting notes

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill

SherriedChocolateVanillaDried FruitHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Glengoyne 25 Year Old The First Fill

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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