Bowmore 25 Year Old vs SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 25 Year Old | SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glenlochy |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 60.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £402.5 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Bowmore 25 Year Old
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Bowmore 25 Year Old
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Quick verdict
Bowmore 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 25 Year Old is better value at £403 vs £450.
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 £450)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £402.5)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 SMWS?
SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old
Only SMWS No. 62.12 24 Year Old 1980