Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi) vs Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Caol Ila
£85
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Benrinnes
★ 5.00
£117
| Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi) | Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Benrinnes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.3% | 46% |
| Age | 23 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £84.95 | £117.35 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Quick verdict
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi) is better value at £85 vs £117.
For beginners: Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £117.35)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 23 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£117.35 vs £84.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi) 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
Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1984 (Adelphi)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange