Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryDalmoreLinkwood
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%51.5%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£124.18£139.57
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value40/100

Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £140.

For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.57 vs £124.18)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried FruitVanilla

Only Linkwood 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13059) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Fresh FruitHoneyToastedMalt Extract

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