Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)
DistilleryBowmoreSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.4%57.1%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£294.95£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £295 vs £299.

For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11714) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

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
  • +More affordable (£294.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £294.95)

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.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release) 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

SmokeyLeathery

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

SherriedOld WoodMedicinal

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 19 (2019 Release)

OilyKipperyCooked Mash

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