Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£300
Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Bowmore
£363
| Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.2% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 25 yr |
| Price | £300 | £363.31 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £300 vs £363.
For beginners: Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£300 vs £363.31)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£363.31 vs £300)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Only Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 1991 (bottled 2016) (cask 253010) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange