Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenrothes
£375
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenrothes | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 57.7% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £375 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £375.
For beginners: Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 vs £299)
- −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 affordable (£299 vs £375)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Glenrothes 1989 / Bot.2003 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary