Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5
Bowmore
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5 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 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
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #5