Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port MaturedLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryBowmoreLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.1%57.7%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured 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

Both taste of

SmokeyLeathery

Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured

Cooked FruitOld WoodSherried

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

MedicinalOily

Where to buy

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1991 Port Matured

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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