Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

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

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare MaltsBowmore 16 Year Old 1989
DistilleryTeaninichBowmore
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV65%51.8%
Age23 yr16 yr
Price£344.14£499
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

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

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is better value at £344 vs £499.

For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£344.14 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 16 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (65%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (51.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £344.14)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Teaninich?

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 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 Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Hay-likeLeafyMalt ExtractVegetativeFresh Fruit

Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 1989

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryKippery

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