Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament
DistilleryLagavulinGlenDronach
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%48%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£250£207
Rating5.00/54.67/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value23/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament is better value at £207 vs £250.

For beginners: The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £207)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£207 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy The?

The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament 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 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only The Glendronach 21 Year Old - Parliament

SherriedDried FruitHoneyChocolateToasted

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