Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black GoldHighland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
DistilleryBowmoreHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%48.1%
Age30 yr30 yr
Price£999£999
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £999.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Wemyss Malts Black Gold

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

HoneyDried FruitToasted

Explore more