Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old vs Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year OldGlen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryBowmoreGlen Elgin
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.9%43.7%
Age10 yr36 yr
Price£499£669.5
Rating4.80/5

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value10/100

Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old is better value at £499 vs £670.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £669.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water

Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£669.5 vs £499)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old 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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Bowmore The Devil's Casks I - 10 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitLeatheryMedicinal

Only Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Old WoodSherriedVanillaToastedHoney

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