Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch WhiskyRosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryBowmoreRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£500£399
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £399 vs £500.

For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£500 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £500)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 1988 / Bot.2017 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryOilyMedicinal

Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyVegetative

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