Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryBowmoreDalmore
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.4%42%
Age30 yr25 yr
Price£835£715
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £835.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£835 vs £715)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

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.

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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

Old Wood

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyToasted

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried Fruit

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