SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Brora
£995
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715
| SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) | Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brora | Dalmore |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.3% | 42% |
| Age | 18 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £995 | £715 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £995.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£995 vs £715)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) 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
Only SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)