Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Linkwood
£125
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Dalmore |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.4% | 46% |
| Age | 26 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £125.32 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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).
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £124 vs £125.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£125.32 vs £124.18)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)