Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.8% | 65% |
| Age | 16 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £499 | £344.14 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is better value at £344 vs £499.
For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£499 vs £344.14)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£344.14 vs £499)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 16 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 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 Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 16 Year Old 1989
Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts