Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless SeriesLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryBowmoreLaphroaig
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.5%46.6%
Age33 yr32 yr
Price£2200£1500
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £2200.

For beginners: Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 32 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2200 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £2200)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) 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 WoodDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series

Chocolate

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Leathery

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