Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Caol Ila
£130
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) | 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 | 51% | 46% |
| Age | 14 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £129.77 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
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).
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £124 vs £130.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£129.77 vs £124.18)
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 2806) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)