Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Bowmore
★ 3.88
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.88/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.88).
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands is more approachable (75/100 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.9 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 17 Year Old - White Sands
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange