Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryMaster of MaltBowmore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%50.8%
Age40 yr18 yr
Price£286.95£294.95
Rating5.00/5

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £295.

For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£286.95 vs £294.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£294.95 vs £286.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Master?

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

HoneyToastedOld WoodSherried

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCitric

Where to buy

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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