Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
Bowmore
£7500
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
| Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky | The Balvenie 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Balvenie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 42.2% |
| Age | NAS | 40 yr |
| Price | £7500 | £7225 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is better value at £7225 vs £7500.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£7500 vs £7225)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy The?
The Balvenie 40 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 1966 / 35 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old