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 2000sGlenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryBowmoreGlenfiddich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£199£199
Rating4.80/55.00/5

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value24/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

ToastedVanilla

Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

SmokeyChocolateDried Fruit

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

HoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

Explore more