Bowmore 25 Year Old vs Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1

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

Bowmore 25 Year OldBruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1
DistilleryBowmoreBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%49.2%
Age25 yr23 yr
Price£402.5£499
Rating5.00/54.79/5

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value12/100

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value10/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.79).

Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £499.

For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£402.5 vs £499)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £402.5)
  • Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherriedOld Wood

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

ChocolateDried Fruit

Only Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 1990 - Black Art 4.1

Leathery

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