Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Caol Ila
£100

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.3% | 46% |
| Age | 11 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £99.5 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
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 rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) is better value at £100 vs £124.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Pros
- +More affordable (£99.5 vs £124.18)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −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 £99.5)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) 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 Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)