Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Tullibardine 25 Year Old

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

Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Tullibardine 25 Year Old
DistilleryCragganmoreTullibardine
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%43%
Age28 yr25 yr
Price£185.64£155
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value32/100

Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tullibardine 25 Year Old is better value at £155 vs £186.

For beginners: Tullibardine 25 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£185.64 vs £155)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Tullibardine 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£155 vs £185.64)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Tullibardine?

Tullibardine 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractToasted

Only Cragganmore 28 Years Old 1985 (casks 1239+1245) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Tullibardine 25 Year Old

HoneyVanillaNutty

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