Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryGlenmorangieLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age10 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Glenmorangie 10 Year Old - Imperial Quart - 1980s (1.13L)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractCitric

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more