Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Tobermory
★ 4.00
£108
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tobermory | Dalmore |
| Region | Island | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 46% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £108.05 | £124.18 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £108 vs £124.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +More affordable (£108.05 vs £124.18)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
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 (£124.18 vs £108.05)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Tobermory?
Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Who should buy Dalmore?
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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 Tobermory 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12580) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)