Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Bushmills
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bushmills |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
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 £399.
For beginners: Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery) is more approachable (45/100 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 £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 Bushmills?
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery) 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)
Only Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18353) - Millennium Single Barrel (The "Old Bushmills" Distillery)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange