Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Bowmore
★ 4.80
£199

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £199 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £199.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s 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 Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve