Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBowmoreArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.8%48.1%
Age28 yr24 yr
Price£599£724.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) is better value at £599 vs £725.

For beginners: Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £724.95)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 24 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£724.95 vs £599)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Oily

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