Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
The Glenlivet
★ 5.00
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 33 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1981 (cask 9463) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)