Bowmore vs Laphroaig
Islay's oldest licensed distillery against its most medicinal: same owner, same tradition of floor malting, very different whiskies.
Side by side
| Bowmore | Laphroaig | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1779 | 1815 |
| Location | Bowmore, central Islay | Port Ellen, south coast |
| Owner | Beam Suntory | Beam Suntory |
| Stated malt peating | Around 25 ppm phenols in the malt (producer stated) | Around 40–45 ppm phenols in the malt (producer stated) |
| House style | Medium peating with pronounced sherry-cask influence | Still runs its own floor maltings and cuts its own peat; famously medicinal |
| Core expression | Bowmore 12 Year Old | Laphroaig 10 Year Old |
| Visitor centre | Yes | Yes |
What the differences mean
Both distilleries still malt part of their own barley on traditional floor maltings — a rarity in Scotch whisky. The difference is how much peat goes in: Bowmore's stated malt specification is around 25 ppm, Laphroaig's around 40–45 ppm.
Bowmore also leans on sherry casks, which add dried-fruit sweetness alongside gentler smoke. Laphroaig's core range is mostly ex-bourbon, which lets its iodine and seaweed character come through. If you find Laphroaig too much, Bowmore is the natural next step.
Visiting both
Bowmore is in the island's main village, about 20 minutes' drive from Laphroaig on the south coast. See current tour prices.
Related
Whisky Deals & Distillery Specials