Bowmore 12 Year Old vs Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 12 Year Old | Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Wemyss Malts |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £38.79 | £43.9 |
| Rating | 3.87/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 12 Year Old
Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)
Bowmore 12 Year Old
Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)
Quick verdict
Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.87).
Bowmore 12 Year Old is better value at £39 vs £44.
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 £43.9)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)
Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£43.9 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 Velvet?
Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 12 Year Old
Only Velvet Fig (Wemyss Malts)