Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Glenkinchie
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenkinchie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.4% | 57.7% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Pros
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenkinchie?
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) 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 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary