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)
Bowmore
£295

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287
| 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) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Master of Malt |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.8% | 43% |
| Age | 18 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £294.95 | £286.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
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)
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)
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
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Where to buy
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange