Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint MagnusBowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryHighland ParkBowmore
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%54.2%
Age12 yr22 yr
Price£299£479.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £480.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £479.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£479.95 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - 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

SmokeyHoneyToasted

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Malt Extract

Only Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SherriedOld Wood

Where to buy

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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