Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Bowmore
£415

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £415 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £415.
For beginners: Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£415 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £415)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Bowmore 22 Year Old / Aston Martin Masters Selection / 2023 Release Islay Whisky
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange