Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - 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 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryHighland ParkBowmore
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%55.4%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£299£294.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value17/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £295 vs £299.

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
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £294.95)

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£294.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water

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 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - 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

Smokey

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

HoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SherriedLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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