Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£1100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715
| Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky | Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 42% |
| Age | NAS | 25 yr |
| Price | £1100 | £715 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
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 £1100.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£1100 vs £715)
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)