Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sBowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryBarton BrandsBowmore
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%57.4%
AgeNAS16 yr
Price£180£264.95
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £265.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£264.95 vs £180)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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.

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - 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

Oily

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoney

Only Bowmore 16 Year Old 2003 (Release No.11698) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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