Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford ParkLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBurnsideLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.1%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£185.5£250
Rating5.00/5

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park

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).

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park is better value at £186 vs £250.

For beginners: Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£185.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.1%) — 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 £185.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Burnside?

Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park 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 Burnside 25 Year Old 1999 (cask 2132) - Bedford Park

SherriedHoneyOld WoodDried FruitTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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