Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 44.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 34 yr |
| Price | £599 | £798.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £799.
For beginners: Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £798.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (34 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£798.95 vs £599)
- −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 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited) 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 21 Year Old
Only Bowmore 34 Year Old 1989 (cask 1972) (Limited)