The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Bowmore 18 Year Old

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldBowmore 18 Year Old
DistilleryThe AntiquaryBowmore
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%43%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£84.9£129
Rating5.00/54.37/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value34/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.37).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £129.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £129)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£129 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 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

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitHoneyMedicinal

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