Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenkinchie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
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 £250.
For beginners: Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Pros
- +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 2017)
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 (56.5%) — may need water
- −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 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 Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old (Special Release 2007)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange