Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) vs Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Dalwhinnie
★ 5.00
£331
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£450
| Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) | Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalwhinnie | Blair Athol |
| Region | Highland | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 58.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £331.43 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £331 vs £450.
For beginners: Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£331.43 vs £450)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £331.43)
Who should buy Dalwhinnie?
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) 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 Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Only Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)