Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore
£326
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.8% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £326.49 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is better value at £299 vs £326.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£326.49 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007