The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) vs Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Caledonian
★ 5.00
£699
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 4.80
£499
| The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) | Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caledonian | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 56.9% |
| Age | 40 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £699 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.80/5 |
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old is better value at £499 vs £699.
For beginners: The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 10 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699 vs £499)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£499 vs £699)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Who should buy The?
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old 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
Only The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Only Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old