Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2
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 #2
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2
Quick verdict
Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +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 #2
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 #2 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bowmore 15 Year Old Golden & Elegant - Aston Martin Edition #2