Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)
GlenDronach
£190
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £189.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89) is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89) 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 £189.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The GlenDronach 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)
Pros
- +More affordable (£189.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — 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 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89) 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 25 Year Old 1992 (cask 89)