Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 59.6% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £599 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015 is better value at £499 vs £599.
For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £499)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Bowmore 12 Year Old 2002 (cask 2214) - Fèis Ìle 2015