Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldBowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryGlenfarclasBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1275£1950
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness76/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1950.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£1950 vs £1275)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 40 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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoneyChocolate

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2021 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

VanillaSmokey

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