Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryBowmoreSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.8%48.2%
Age28 yr21 yr
Price£599£599.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) is better value at £599 vs £600.

For beginners: Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £599.95)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £599)

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) 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 Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld Wood

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Toasted

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