Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Douglas Laing
£225
| Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Brands | Douglas Laing |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.2% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £180 | £225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
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 £225.
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 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£225 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 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - 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.
Tasting notes
Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -