Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch WhiskyHighland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.3%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£2800£2995
Rating4.88/5

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £2800 vs £2995.

For beginners: Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£2800 vs £2995)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2995 vs £2800)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old / 2020 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaSmokey

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Old WoodTobaccoDried Fruit

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