Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£700
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715
| Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 42% |
| Age | 28 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £699.95 | £715 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £700 vs £715.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£699.95 vs £715)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 25 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£715 vs £699.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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 Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)