Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) vs TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Lagavulin
£48

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
★ 5.00
£43
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) | TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.4% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £47.95 | £42.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £48.
For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 6 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£47.95 vs £42.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£42.95 vs £47.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023) 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 TB/BSW?
TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)
Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)