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 Barrel
Bushmills
£399

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bushmills | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.6% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel
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 £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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Bushmills 1982 (cask 18372) - Millennium Single Barrel
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange