Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old vs Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 4.80
£499
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Balvenie
£795
| Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old | Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.9% | 46% |
| Age | 10 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £499 | £795 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old is better value at £499 vs £795.
For beginners: Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£499 vs £795)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£795 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask 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.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old
Only Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask