Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldBowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryGlenfarclasBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£632.95£500
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

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

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £500 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£632.95 vs £500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£500 vs £632.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Only Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyLeatheryOilyMedicinal

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