Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Douglas Laing
★ 5.00
£125
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Dalmore |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.2% | 46% |
| Age | 14 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £124.55 | £124.18 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £124 vs £125.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£124.55 vs £124.18)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£124.18 vs £124.55)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) 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 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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 Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)