Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask
Bruichladdich
★ 2.00
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 2.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask is more approachable (50/100 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (2.0 vs 5.0)
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 Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bruichladdich 16 Year Old - Bourbon Cask