Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Glengoyne
★ 5.00
£295

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glengoyne | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 28 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £295 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £295.
For beginners: Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£295 vs £250)
- −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
- +More affordable (£250 vs £295)
- +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 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange