Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask 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 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask MaturedLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryBowmoreLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.5%57.7%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value11/100

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

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

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

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

For beginners: Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 £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 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask 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

SmokeyLeatheryOily

Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured

SherriedDried Fruit

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

Medicinal

Where to buy

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1992 Bordeaux Wine Cask Matured

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

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