Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£999

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 42% |
| Age | 15 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £999 | £715 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £715 vs £999.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £715)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
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 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Dalmore?
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) 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 15 Year Old 1969 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)