Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry OakNew York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBowmoreNew York Distilling Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV40%55.6%
Age12 yr3 yr
Price£59.95£39.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £60.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£59.95 vs £39.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £59.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak 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 New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

SherriedSmokeyNuttyDried FruitChocolate

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ToastedVanillaTobaccoNew WoodHoney

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