Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve vs Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky

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

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage ReserveBowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky
DistilleryGlengoyneBowmore
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.3%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£995£900
Rating5.00/5

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky is better value at £900 vs £995.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£995 vs £900)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£900 vs £995)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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 / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaFresh FruitToasted

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Islay Whisky

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryDried FruitMedicinal

Explore more