Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

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

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and FaunaBowmore 16 Year Old 1989
DistilleryPittyvaichBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.8%
Age12 yr16 yr
Price£350£499
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value10/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £499.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£350 vs £499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £350)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989 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

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKippery

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