SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 vs Bowmore 25 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 | Bowmore 25 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenlochy | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.4% | 43% |
| Age | 24 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £450 | £402.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Bowmore 25 Year Old
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Quick verdict
Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £450.
For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £402.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£402.5 vs £450)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 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.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old 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
Only SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old