Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
GlenDronach
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
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 £179.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)