Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022 vs Bowmore 12 Year Old

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

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022Bowmore 12 Year Old
DistilleryScallywagBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV54%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£50.95£38.79
Rating5.00/53.87/5

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner50/100
Value98/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.87).

Bowmore 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £51.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£50.95 vs £38.79)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Scallywag?

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022 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 12 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitToasted

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokeyHoneyFresh FruitLeafyVanilla

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