Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Glentauchers
★ 5.00
£214
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glentauchers | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 39 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £213.51 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £214 vs £250.
For beginners: Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£213.51 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (39 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 £213.51)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glentauchers?
Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Glentauchers 39 Year Old 1976 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)