Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna vs Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

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

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and FaunaBowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection
DistilleryRosebankBowmore
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%54.6%
Age12 yr13 yr
Price£399£599
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value8/100

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £399 vs £599.

For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£599 vs £399)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection 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.

Tasting notes

Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyVegetative

Only Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

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