Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) vs The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
DistilleryLagavulinGlenDronach
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.9%46%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating4.17/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value14/100

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) 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 The?

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyDried FruitLeathery

Only The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish

SherriedVanillaHoneyCooked FruitToasted

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