Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£499
| Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Bowmore |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.2% | 51.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £599.95 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Quick verdict
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 is better value at £499 vs £600.
For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 16 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£599.95 vs £499)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£499 vs £599.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.8%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 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
Both taste of
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989