Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBowmoreBruichladdich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53%62.6%
Age18 yr16 yr
Price£264.95£217.95
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value23/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £218 vs £265.

For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - 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.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 16 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£264.95 vs £217.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£217.95 vs £264.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (62.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyCooked FruitMalt Extract

Only Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Old WoodLeathery

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