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)
Bowmore
£675

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old
Miyagikyo
★ 5.00
£699
| Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Miyagikyo 15 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Miyagikyo |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 45% |
| Age | 21 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £675 | £699 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Miyagikyo 15 Year Old
Bowmore 21 Year Old 2000 (cask 3735959) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Miyagikyo 15 Year Old
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)
Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old