Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Caol Ila
£121
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 46% |
| Age | 28 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £121.32 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
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 0.00).
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £121 vs £124.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£121.32 vs £124.18)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £121.32)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 1983 (cask 4825) (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)