Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224

Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£199
| Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Dalmore |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 44% |
| Age | 31 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £223.7 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Quick verdict
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 is better value at £199 vs £224.
For beginners: Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 18 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £199)
Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £223.7)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Only Dalmore 18 Year Old - Vintage 1998