Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) vs Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

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

Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryBlair AtholDalwhinnie
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.4%48.8%
Age23 yr25 yr
Price£450£331.43
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value11/100

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value15/100

Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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).

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)

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

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.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaToasted

Only Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

HoneyMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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