Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 vs Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBowmoreBanff
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.2%41.8%
Age18 yr36 yr
Price£399£265.32
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

Smoke64/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value19/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is better value at £265 vs £399.

For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £265.32)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£265.32 vs £399)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Banff?

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateHoneySmokey

Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodLeatheryTobaccoMalt ExtractNutty

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