Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bowmore
£190
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £189.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£189.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £189.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange