Bushmills Millennium Malt vs Bell's Original

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

Bushmills Millennium MaltBell's Original
DistilleryBushmillsBell's
RegionOther Scotch
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV43%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£11.78£18.75
Rating5.00/52.75/5

Bushmills Millennium Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Bell's Original

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Bushmills Millennium Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bell's Original

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bushmills Millennium Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.75).

Bushmills Millennium Malt is better value at £12 vs £19.

For beginners: Bushmills Millennium Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Bushmills Millennium Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£11.78 vs £18.75)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bell's Original

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£18.75 vs £11.78)
  • Lower community rating (2.8 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills Millennium Malt 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.

Who should buy Bell's?

Bell's Original suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractFresh Fruit

Only Bushmills Millennium Malt

VanillaOld WoodHoney

Only Bell's Original

SmokeyHay-like

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