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)
Bowmore
£599

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
| Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017) | Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 48.2% |
| Age | 28 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £599 | £599.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bowmore 1988 (bottled 2017)
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)