Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold
Bowmore
£999

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Glengoyne
★ 5.00
£995
| Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold | Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glengoyne |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 50.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £999 | £995 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Quick verdict
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is better value at £995 vs £999.
For beginners: Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £995)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£995 vs £999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold 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 Glengoyne?
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold
Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve