Balvenie 30 Year Old vs Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Balvenie 30 Year OldBowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryBalvenieBowmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV44.2%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£3192.95£2350
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value2/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Balvenie 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Balvenie 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £2350 vs £3193.

For beginners: Balvenie 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£3192.95 vs £2350)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2350 vs £3192.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 30 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Balvenie 30 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyCooked FruitFresh FruitToasted

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