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)Bowmore 25 Year Old
DistilleryArdbegBowmore
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.9%43%
Age15 yr25 yr
Price£314.95£402.5
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value12/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Smokey

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

MedicinalKipperyOilyCoal-gas

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried Fruit

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