Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013

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

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013
DistilleryDalmoreThomas H. Handy
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV46%66.2%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£124.18£125.86
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value40/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £124 vs £126.

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
  • +More affordable (£124.18 vs £125.86)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (66.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£125.86 vs £124.18)

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 Thomas?

Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013 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 Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey - 2013

SmokeyToastedVegetativeNutty

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