Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Miyagikyo 15 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreMiyagikyo
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.4%45%
Age21 yr15 yr
Price£675£699
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £675 vs £699.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£675 vs £699)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£699 vs £675)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokeyOilyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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