Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) vs Bowmore 25 Year Old

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

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)Bowmore 25 Year Old
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%43%
Age34 yr25 yr
Price£550£402.5
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value12/100

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £550.

For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£550 vs £402.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£402.5 vs £550)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi) 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Mortlach 34 Year Old 1986 (cask 2035) (Adelphi)

LeatheryOilyTobaccoNutty

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokeySherriedChocolateDried Fruit

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