Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask
Dallas Dhu
£399
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Dallas Dhu |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 46% |
| Age | 23 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £399.
For beginners: Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £399)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 23 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £291.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Dallas?
Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask 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 Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Dallas Dhu 24 Year Old 1979 (cask 1383) - First Cask