Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish vs Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask FinishBowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryGlenglassaughBowmore
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.8%58.8%
Age33 yr19 yr
Price£334.62£399
Rating5.00/5

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner60/100
Value15/100

Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is better value at £335 vs £399.

For beginners: Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£334.62 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 19 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £334.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenglassaugh?

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Dried FruitToastedCooked FruitHoney

Only Bowmore 19 Year Old 1996 (cask 3.244) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Explore more