Compass Box Delilah's XXV vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Compass Box Delilah's XXVThe Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryCompass BoxThe Lakes Distillery
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV46%52%
AgeNASNAS
Price£109.9£84.95
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Compass Box Delilah's XXV

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner75/100
Value41/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Compass Box Delilah's XXV

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £110.

For beginners: Compass Box Delilah's XXV is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Compass Box Delilah's XXV

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£109.9 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £109.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water

Who should buy Compass?

Compass Box Delilah's XXV 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.

Who should buy The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoneyVanilla

Only Compass Box Delilah's XXV

Old WoodTobacco

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Toasted

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