Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Banff
★ 5.00
£265
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£265
| Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Banff | Bowmore |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.8% | 55.2% |
| Age | 36 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £265.32 | £264.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £265 vs £265.
For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
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)
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 16 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£265.32 vs £264.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£264.95 vs £265.32)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - 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
Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11699) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange