Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist
Bimber
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bimber |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — 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 Bimber?
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist 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 Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 396) - Claude The Impressionist