Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Benromach
★ 5.00
£226
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£269
| Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s | Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benromach | Bowmore |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52.8% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £225.54 | £268.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is better value at £226 vs £269.
For beginners: Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
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 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£268.95 vs £225.54)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Benromach?
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s 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 2002 (Release No.11717) - 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 Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)