Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman
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 473) - Winston The Statesman
Bimber
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bimber |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.5%) — 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 473) - Winston The Statesman 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 Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 473) - Winston The Statesman