Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)
DistilleryLagavulinGlenDronach
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%52.4%
Age12 yr24 yr
Price£250£205
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445) is better value at £205 vs £250.

For beginners: The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445) is more approachable (45/100 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 £205)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£205 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.4%) — 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 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only The GlenDronach 24 Year Old 1993 (cask 445)

SherriedChocolateDried FruitToastedOld Wood

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