Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Bowmore
£390

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £389.99 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £390 vs £399.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£389.99 vs £399)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £389.99)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 2689) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)