Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryInchgowerLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.3%56.5%
Age27 yr12 yr
Price£294.9£250
Rating5.00/5

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £295.

For beginners: Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£294.9 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £294.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Inchgower?

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

VanillaHoneyOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Inchgower 27 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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