Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay WhiskyHighland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.3%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£3500£2995
Rating4.88/5

Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3500.

For beginners: Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Bowmore 1973 Vintage Label / Cask 5173 + 5174 Islay Whisky

SmokeyLeathery

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Tobacco

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