Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 ReleaseLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryMichter's DistilleryLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV54%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release

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).

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — 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 Bomberger's?

Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release 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 Bomberger's Declaration - 2023 Release

VanillaChocolateToastedHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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