Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Bowmore
★ 4.50
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 53.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured 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 £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange