Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£399

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.1% | 57.7% |
| Age | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured 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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange