Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The PolymathLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBimberLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryEnglandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.8%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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

Who should buy Bimber?

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath 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.

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.

Tasting notes

Only Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 241/18) - Copernicus The Polymath

SherriedDried FruitHoneyChocolateOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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