Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

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

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask
DistilleryBowmoreKavalan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandTaiwan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%56.3%
Age22 yrNAS
Price£479.95£387.43
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask is better value at £387 vs £480.

For beginners: Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£479.95 vs £387.43)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£387.43 vs £479.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - 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 Kavalan?

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask 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

SherriedToasted

Only Bowmore 22 Year Old 1997 (Release No.11175) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyHoneyOld Wood

Only Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Dried FruitNuttyChocolate

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