Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker
DistilleryLagavulinBimber
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker 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 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.8%) — 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 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 537/37) - Hannah The Thinker

SherriedTobaccoDried FruitToasted

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