Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s vs Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

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

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000sBanff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBowmoreBanff
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%41.8%
Age17 yr36 yr
Price£199£265.32
Rating4.80/55.00/5

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value24/100

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value19/100

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s is better value at £199 vs £265.

For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £265.32)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 17 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£265.32 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s 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 Banff?

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore 17 Year Old - Late 2000s

SmokeyChocolateToastedVanillaDried Fruit

Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodLeatheryTobaccoMalt ExtractNutty

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