Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Bowmore
£164

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £163.95 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak is better value at £164 vs £199.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£163.95 vs £199)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 vs £163.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve