Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

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

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's SelectionJohnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
DistilleryBowmoreJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV54.6%43.8%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£599£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value8/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is better value at £399 vs £599.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£599 vs £399)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £599)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection 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.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 13 Year Old 1995 - Maltmen's Selection

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodToasted

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