Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBenrinnesStrathisla
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.6%
Age24 yr21 yr
Price£117.35£131.82
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £117 vs £132.

For beginners: Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£117.35 vs £131.82)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£131.82 vs £117.35)
  • 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 Strathisla?

Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyDried Fruit

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

Malt ExtractToastedVanilla

Only Strathisla 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 9541) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SherriedOld Wood

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