Bowmore 25 Year Old vs Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)

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

Bowmore 25 Year OldGlenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)
DistilleryBowmoreThe Glenlivet
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%52.3%
Age25 yr31 yr
Price£402.5£500
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 25 Year Old

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

Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)

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 £500.

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

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 £500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 25 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£500 vs £402.5)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Glenlivet?

Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

Smokey

Only Glenlivet 31 Year Old 1972 (cask 1024) - Very Rare (R. N. MacDonald)

Tobacco

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