Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - 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 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryBarton BrandsBowmore
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%55.4%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£180£294.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value17/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £295.

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
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £294.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£294.95 vs £180)

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 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - 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

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoneyOily

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeySherriedLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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