Bowmore 18 Year Old 2001 (Release No.11715) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

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)Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
DistilleryBowmoreBrackla
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%40%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£294.95£219.99
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

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £295.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old 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 £219.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£219.99 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 Royal?

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCitricDried Fruit

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitOld WoodToasted

Where to buy

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

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

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