Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldBowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection
DistilleryGlenfarclasBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.3%
Age30 yr17 yr
Price£632.95£499
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection 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 17 years)

Cons

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (51.3%) — 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 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection 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

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

ChocolateTobacco

Only Bowmore 17 Year Old 1999 - Warehouseman's Selection

SmokeyMedicinal

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