Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single BarrelLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBushmillsLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.6%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£399£250
Rating5.00/5

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.

For beginners: Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel 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 Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel

VanillaNew WoodHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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