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)
Lagavulin
★ 4.17
£299

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
GlenDronach
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009) | The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.9% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.17/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2009)
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
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)
Only The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish