Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Bushmills
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bushmills | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bushmills?
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)