Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky vs Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay WhiskyMiyagikyo 15 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreMiyagikyo
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%45%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£1100£699
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £1100.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1100 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £1100)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Both taste of

Honey

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Where to buy

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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