Bowmore 12 Year Old vs Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

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

Bowmore 12 Year OldScallywag The Winter Edition 2022
DistilleryBowmoreScallywag
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%54%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£38.79£50.95
Rating3.87/55.00/5

Bowmore 12 Year Old

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

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner50/100
Value98/100

Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.87).

Bowmore 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £51.

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
  • +Better value for money

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£50.95 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022 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

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old

SmokeyHoneyFresh FruitLeafyVanilla

Only Scallywag The Winter Edition 2022

SherriedCooked FruitDried FruitToasted

Explore more