Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryInchgowerLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£224£250
Rating5.00/5

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky

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).

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky is better value at £224 vs £250.

For beginners: Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£224 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £224)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Inchgower?

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside 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 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 Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky

VanillaCooked FruitHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Inchgower 1997 / 27 Year Old / First Editions Speyside Whisky

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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