Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 08:37 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Bowmore 12 vs Glenlivet 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Bowmore 12 vs Glenlivet 12: Which to Buy?
Bowmore 12: A smoky treat mingled with sweet fruitiness and a touch of sea air, perfect for those exploring peated whisky. Enjoy neat to appreciate its Islay heritage and smooth finish.
The Glenlivet 12: Offers a smooth, fruity experience with no smoke, making it ideal for newcomers or those who prefer their whisky gentle and sweet. Best enjoyed neat for a pure taste of Speyside elegance.
Verdict: Both whiskies shine with their unique qualities; Bowmore 12 delights with its smoky complexity, while The Glenlivet 12 charms with smooth sweetness. Each offers a distinct journey through Scotland’s whisky regions, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smooth and Easy Drinking 12-Year-Old Scotches
Bowmore 12: Smoky Delight with Island Charm
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Talisker 10
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Smoke & Sweetness:
Bowmore 12 opens with a smoky aroma, thanks to peated barley, balanced by hints of pineapple and citrus. On the taste, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, offering ripe fruits, honey, vanilla, and a touch of Islay’s signature iodine. The smoke presence is moderate, making it suitable for those who enjoy a lighter smoke influence.
Easy Drinking:
While a higher alcohol content might be preferred by some, the current strength doesn’t affect its enjoyment. Bowmore 12 is smooth and avoids any harsh flavors, offering a pleasant and satisfying experience.
Unique Heritage:
Aged in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks for 12 years, Bowmore 12 stands out for its heritage. It’s one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, hand-turning, malting, and peating its own barley for a truly distinct character.
Award-Winning:
Bowmore 12 has been recognized for its quality, winning Gold at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
The Glenlivet 12: A Smooth and Easy-Drinking Speyside Whisky
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Jameson
- Smoke level: Zero
Light and Fruity:
The Glenlivet 12 has a gentle aroma with hints of toasted bread, honey, and pear. On the taste, it’s creamy with prominent vanilla and fruity notes. The finish is smooth and short, leaving a pleasant sweetness with lingering vanilla.
Mellow and Inviting:
This whisky is known for its smoothness. It lacks any harshness, peat smoke, or smokiness. Instead, it has a mellow and inviting profile with dominant flavors of vanilla and honey.
Easy to Enjoy:
The Glenlivet 12 is a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a simpler whisky. It’s easy to drink neat or on the rocks. Adding a splash of water opens up the flavor, revealing floral notes and intensifying the sweetness, a common practice in Scotland.
Glenlivet 12 in a Nutshell:
- Aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and European oak casks.
- Fermented in wooden washbacks, a unique touch.
- The best-selling single malt Scotch in the US.
- Awarded Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
- Made by Pernod Ricard, the company behind Jameson.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bowmore 12 | $63 |
| Glenlivet 12 | $51 |