Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Bowmore
★ 4.80
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)