Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single vs Bowmore 25 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor SingleBowmore 25 Year Old
DistilleryArdbegBowmore
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53%43%
Age20 yr25 yr
Price£419.81£402.5
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value12/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £420.

For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£419.81 vs £402.5)

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£402.5 vs £419.81)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 20 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single 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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 347613) - The Duncan Taylor Single

Leathery

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

Old Wood

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