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 CasksLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlengoyneLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£295£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodChocolate

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Glengoyne 28 Year Old - Oloroso Casks

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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