Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve vs Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Glengoyne
★ 5.00
£995

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore
£835
| Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve | Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glengoyne | Bowmore |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.3% | 47.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £995 | £835 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is better value at £835 vs £995.
For beginners: Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is more approachable (45/100 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 £835)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£835 vs £995)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +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 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange