Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007
DistilleryLagavulinBowmore
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57.1%
Age12 yr7 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007 is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 7 years)

Cons

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

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007 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

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyDried Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Bowmore 7 Year Old 2000 - Fèis Ìle 2007

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