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)TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryLagavulinThompson Bros.
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.4%46%
Age12 yr6 yr
Price£47.95£42.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness70/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 20cl (Special Release 2023)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyCoal-gasDried FruitVanilla

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

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