Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Bushmills
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bushmills |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
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 £299.
For beginners: Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection is more approachable (70/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −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 Bushmills?
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bushmills 2002 (bottled 2022) Vermouth Cask Finish - The Causeway Collection
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange