Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Caol Ila
£999
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715
| Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.7% | 42% |
| Age | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £999 | £715 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
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 £999.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£999 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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 Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)