Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryDalmoreCaol Ila
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.4%
Age27 yr30 yr
Price£118.85£139.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value42/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £119 vs £140.

For beginners: Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£118.85 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 27 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £118.85)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Dalmore 27 Year Old 1986 (cask 3093) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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