Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3 vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£376

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Girvan
★ 5.00
£356
| Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3 | Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Girvan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 51% | 43.7% |
| Age | 22 yr | 50 yr |
| Price | £376.15 | £356.35 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £356 vs £376.
For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£376.15 vs £356.35)
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£356.35 vs £376.15)
- +Longer maturation (50 vs 22 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3 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 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin - Masters' Selection Edition 3
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange