Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
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 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Bowmore
£399
| Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Banff | Bowmore |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.8% | 51.2% |
| Age | 36 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £265.32 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
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).
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
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)
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 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.
Tasting notes
Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021