The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak vs Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine OakBowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryThe MacallanBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£1500£2350
Rating4.80/5

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value3/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £1500 vs £2350.

For beginners: The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £2350)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2350 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only The Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak

SherriedVanillaChocolateDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyCooked FruitHoneyFresh Fruit

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