Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Oban
£106
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Oban | Dalmore |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £105.53 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
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).
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £106 vs £124.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£105.53 vs £124.18)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −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
- −More expensive (£124.18 vs £105.53)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Oban?
Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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
Only Oban 12 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)