Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) vs Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

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

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)Miyagikyo 15 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreMiyagikyo
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%45%
Age42 yr15 yr
Price£815.95£699
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £816.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (42 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£815.95 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £815.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) 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 Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedOld WoodSmokeyDried FruitLeathery

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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