Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryBowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4
DistilleryLagavulinBowmore
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%51.4%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£299£350
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4 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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

MedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4

TobaccoChocolateToastedSherriedCitric

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