Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay WhiskyYamazaki 1984
DistilleryBowmoreYamazaki
Region
CountryUnited KingdomJapan
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNASNAS
Price£1100£899.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

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

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 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 £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 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

Sherried

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

SmokeyHoneyDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki 1984

Old WoodVanillaToastedNutty

Where to buy

Bowmore 21 Year Old / 500th Anniversary Blend Islay Whisky

Yamazaki 1984

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