SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000 vs Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryTobermoryBenrinnes
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.7%46%
Age9 yr24 yr
Price£150£117.35
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value43/100

SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £117 vs £150.

For beginners: Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £117.35)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£117.35 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000 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 Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only SMWS 42.43 9 Year Old 2000

SmokeySherriedLeathery

Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanilla

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