Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
DistilleryBowmoreHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%55%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£268.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £269 vs £299.

For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

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
  • +More affordable (£268.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £268.95)

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.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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

Smokey

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

VanillaCitricFragantFresh Fruit

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

HoneyToastedMalt Extract

Where to buy

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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