Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldBowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015
DistilleryGlenfarclasBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%59.6%
Age30 yr12 yr
Price£632.95£499
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value8/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015 is better value at £499 vs £633.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£632.95 vs £499)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £632.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Dried FruitChocolateOld WoodTobacco

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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