Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland vs Johnnie Walker Premier
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Bowmore
£260

Johnnie Walker Premier
Johnnie Walker
★ 5.00
£199
| Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland | Johnnie Walker Premier | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.1% | 43% |
| Age | 23 yr | NAS |
| Price | £259.95 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Johnnie Walker Premier
Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Johnnie Walker Premier
Quick verdict
Johnnie Walker Premier is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Premier is better value at £199 vs £260.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Premier is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£259.95 vs £199)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Johnnie Walker Premier
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£199 vs £259.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Premier suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Only Johnnie Walker Premier
Where to buy
Bowmore 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 960014) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Johnnie Walker Premier
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange