Bowmore 12 Year Old vs Ragtime Rye Whiskey

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

Bowmore 12 Year OldRagtime Rye Whiskey
DistilleryBowmoreNew York Distilling Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV40%45.2%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£38.79£38.99
Rating3.87/55.00/5

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Ragtime Rye Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner70/100
Value100/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ragtime Rye Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ragtime Rye Whiskey is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.87).

Bowmore 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £39.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.79 vs £38.99)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)

Ragtime Rye Whiskey

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£38.99 vs £38.79)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 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 Ragtime?

Ragtime Rye Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokeyHoneyFresh FruitLeafyVanilla

Only Ragtime Rye Whiskey

VegetativeToastedNuttyYeasty

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