Bell's Original vs Bushmills Millennium Malt

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

Bell's OriginalBushmills Millennium Malt
DistilleryBell'sBushmills
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£18.75£11.78
Rating2.75/55.00/5

Bell's Original

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Bushmills Millennium Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Bell's Original

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bushmills Millennium Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bushmills Millennium Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.75).

Bushmills Millennium Malt is better value at £12 vs £19.

For beginners: Bushmills Millennium Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Bell's Original

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£18.75 vs £11.78)
  • Lower community rating (2.8 vs 5.0)

Bushmills Millennium Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£11.78 vs £18.75)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bell's?

Bell's Original suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills Millennium Malt 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Bell's Original

SmokeyHay-like

Only Bushmills Millennium Malt

VanillaOld WoodHoney

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