Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)South Island 21 Year Old 1990
DistilleryBenrinnesThe New Zealand Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandNew Zealand
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age24 yr21 yr
Price£117.35£116.59
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value43/100

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is better value at £117 vs £117.

For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£117.35 vs £116.59)

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£116.59 vs £117.35)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy South?

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 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

Both taste of

HoneyDried Fruit

Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Malt ExtractToastedVanilla

Only South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Old WoodSherriedTobacco

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