Barrell Gold Label Bourbon vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Barrell Gold Label Bourbon
Barrell Craft Spirits
£321

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Barrell Gold Label Bourbon | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barrell Craft Spirits | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 57.7% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £320.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Barrell Gold Label Bourbon
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Barrell Gold Label Bourbon
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £321.
For beginners: Barrell Gold Label Bourbon is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Barrell Gold Label Bourbon
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£320.5 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £320.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Barrell?
Barrell Gold Label Bourbon 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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Barrell Gold Label Bourbon
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary