Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
Glengoyne
£395

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glengoyne | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56% | 56.5% |
| Age | 31 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £395 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
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 £395.
For beginners: Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glengoyne?
Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask 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.
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 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Glengoyne 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 2970) - Single Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange