Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay WhiskyHighland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
DistilleryBowmoreHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.1%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£1100£999
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

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 £1100.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1100 vs £999)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£999 vs £1100)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky 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.

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

SmokeyHoneyDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Sherried

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

ToastedOld Wood

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