Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor) vs Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

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

Bowmore 42 Year Old 1982 (cask 89633) - The Rarest Reserve Collection (Duncan Taylor)Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
DistilleryBowmoreTomatin
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%46%
Age42 yr36 yr
Price£815.95£494.02
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is better value at £494 vs £816.

For beginners: Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 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 36 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£815.95 vs £494.02)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£494.02 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

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

SmokeyDried FruitLeathery

Only Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

ChocolateVanillaToasted

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