Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£715

Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
Ardbeg
£1050
| Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) | Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalmore | Ardbeg |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42% | 47.2% |
| Age | 25 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £715 | £1050 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
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 £1050.
For beginners: Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
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
Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£1050 vs £715)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)
Only Ardbeg 26 Year Old - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)