Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryArdmoreDalmore
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%46%
Age22 yr23 yr
Price£96.95£124.18
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value40/100

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) is better value at £97 vs £124.

For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£96.95 vs £124.18)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£124.18 vs £96.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 Ardmore 22 Year Old 1996 - Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyMalt ExtractToastedHoneyMedicinal

Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried FruitVanilla

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