Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
DistilleryBowmoreMidleton
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV51.2%58.2%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£399£300
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

Smoke64/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £300 vs £399.

For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £300)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£300 vs £399)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateHoneySmokey

Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)

New WoodVanillaToastedCooked Mash

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