Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island WhiskyDalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryUndisclosed DistilleryDalmore
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%42%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£635£715
Rating5.00/5

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky is better value at £635 vs £715.

For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£635 vs £715)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£715 vs £635)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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

Both taste of

HoneyDried Fruit

Only Islay Single Malt 1985 / 38 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 6 Island Whisky

SmokeyFragantFresh Fruit

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaOld Wood

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