Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Bowmore 25 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
£315

Bowmore 25 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£403
| Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | Bowmore 25 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 43% |
| Age | 15 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £314.95 | £402.5 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Quick verdict
Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £315 vs £403.
For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£314.95 vs £402.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 25 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 15 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£402.5 vs £314.95)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2004 (Release No.11673) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old