Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
DistilleryBowmoreMaster of Malt
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%43%
Age18 yr40 yr
Price£294.95£286.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £295.

For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - 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 (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£294.95 vs £286.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£286.95 vs £294.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - 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 Master?

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCitric

Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

HoneyToastedOld WoodSherried

Where to buy

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

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