Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryBowmoreThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%43%
Age30 yr18 yr
Price£326.49£399
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness35/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £326 vs £399.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£326.49 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £326.49)

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Fresh FruitVegetativeNew Wood

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SherriedVanillaDried FruitHoney

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