Bowmore OB: 17 vs. 18

[dcb]

I liked the 17 better than the 18, just finished a bottle of the 18 last week. I'm not a writer of tasting notes, but I guess the 17 seemed a little more rich in flavor. The 18 was good, but a little 'flat'. It's a good deal for $50 on sale in NH right now, but I won't be buying it again for a while. Might get the 12 next time I buy a Bowmore since the 17 is no longer on the shelf and for $50-$60 I'd rather get something I like more than the bowmore 18 like the Lag 16.

[Ganga]

I've yet to find the 17 that I could enjoy. Not so with the 18. However, at the current prices for the 18 there are other Bows I'd rather get.

[Aidan]

There's much more Sherry in the 18. I find it richer, but I don't know if I prefer it to the old 17. Both are superb, I believe.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

I prefer the 17, the 18 is good too but i think they are quite different. It's probably a fairly moot point though as the 17 is history so you either take the 18 or leave it ... However I suppose you could buy a case of 17 before it's gone forever

[Aidan]

I think the 17 will be continued in duty free, thankfully.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

I think the 17 will be continued in duty free, thankfully.

Wow ... I'll have to fly more then

[The Whisky Lounge]

The 17 any day of the week.
The 18 is overly sherried (in my opinion) and lacks the 17s purity of spirit and taste of the sea. The 17 was always the best of the standard Bowmore range and to me is akin to a HP 18, Maca 18, etc., in terms of its status within the old range.
Am I the only one to be massively disappointed with Bowmore of late? I used to love their whiskies and I'm certain they still make great spirit, but the current batch just is not what we come to expect.
The sooner they recognise this mistake and address it, the better. Bring back 17!

[chrisig]

The 17 any day of the week.
The 18 is overly sherried (in my opinion) and lacks the 17s purity of spirit and taste of the sea. The 17 was always the best of the standard Bowmore range and to me is akin to a HP 18, Maca 18, etc., in terms of its status within the old range.
Am I the only one to be massively disappointed with Bowmore of late? I used to love their whiskies and I'm certain they still make great spirit, but the current batch just is not what we come to expect.
The sooner they recognise this mistake and address it, the better. Bring back 17!

No, you're not the only one. I think the old 17y.o. is much much better, I find the 18y.o. very soapy and don't like it at all, just like the 12y.o."Enigma" I recently tried and just couldn't put it in my mouth for a second time.

So, bring back the good old 17 you people there in Islay!

[mikeymad]

I have had several bottles of the 17yo over the years. And it has never matched up with my flavor profile (not like I didn't give it a shot).

I liked the 18yo much more right off the bat. I have only had samples at this point. But it may come into my future. But I got a lot of Bowmore to get through first.

Cheers,