Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Benrinnes
★ 5.00
£117
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
£124
| Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 58.5% |
| Age | 24 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £117.35 | £123.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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 £124.
For beginners: Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
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 £123.52)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 16 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£123.52 vs £117.35)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)