TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

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

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
DistilleryThompson Bros.Lagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV46%56.4%
Age6 yr12 yr
Price£42.95£47.95
Rating5.00/5

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness70/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £48.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £47.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£47.95 vs £42.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) 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 TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

SmokeyCoal-gasDried FruitVanilla

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