Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured vs Deanston 18 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured | Deanston 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Deanston |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46.3% |
| Age | 9 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £89.99 | £79.95 |
| Rating | 3.11/5 | 4.69/5 |
Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured
Deanston 18 Year Old
Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured
Deanston 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Deanston 18 Year Old is rated higher (4.69 vs 3.11).
Deanston 18 Year Old is better value at £80 vs £90.
For beginners: Deanston 18 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£89.99 vs £79.95)
- −Lower community rating (3.1 vs 4.7)
Deanston 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured 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 Deanston?
Deanston 18 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 9 Year Old - Sherry Cask Matured
Only Deanston 18 Year Old