Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore
£835
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£599
| Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.4% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £835 | £599 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Quick verdict
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is better value at £599 vs £835.
For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£835 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £835)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask 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 30 Year Old 1989 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask