Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) vs Bowmore 12 Year Old

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

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)Bowmore 12 Year Old
DistilleryWemyss MaltsBowmore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£43.9£38.79
Rating5.00/53.87/5

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.87).

Bowmore 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £44.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£43.9 vs £38.79)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.79 vs £43.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Velvet?

Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Year Old 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

Only Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokeyHoneyFresh FruitLeafyVanilla

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