Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - SignatoryLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryHighland ParkLagavulin
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%56.5%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£184.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

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).

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £184.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Highland Park 19 Year Old 1987 (cask 1536) - Signatory

HoneyToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

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