Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 4Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBowmoreLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.4%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£350£250
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £350.

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

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 £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£250 vs £350)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

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

Smokey

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

TobaccoChocolateToastedSherriedCitric

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

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