Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch WhiskyOld Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBowmorePulteney
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£5.75£4.32
Rating4.11/5

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (4.11 vs 0.00).

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £4 vs £6.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£5.75 vs £4.32)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.1)

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.1/5)
  • +More affordable (£4.32 vs £5.75)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Old?

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyChocolateDried FruitSherriedMedicinal

Only Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedFresh Fruit

Explore more