Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bowmore
£326

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.8% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £326.49 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £326 vs £399.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£326.49 vs £399)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £326.49)
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 30 Year Old 1987 (cask 12376) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)