Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Bowmore
£675

Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Girvan
★ 5.00
£595
| Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Girvan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 53.4% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £675 | £595 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Quick verdict
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is better value at £595 vs £675.
For beginners: Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£675 vs £595)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£595 vs £675)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Girvan?
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation