Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryInvergordonLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV53.3%56.5%
Age31 yr12 yr
Price£195.36£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value26/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£195.36 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — 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 £195.36)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Greenkeeper's?

Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) 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 Greenkeeper's Gloves 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

MossyLeafyOld WoodNuttyHay-like

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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