Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Bowmore
£650
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
Springbank
★ 4.67
£499
| Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 52.7% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £650 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 4.67/5 |
Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood is better value at £499 vs £650.
For beginners: Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£650 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£499 vs £650)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood 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.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 3737529) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old 2000 - Calvados Wood