Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£165
| Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 58.3% |
| Age | 24 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £117.35 | £164.76 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 £165.
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 £164.76)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£164.76 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 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)