Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

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

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky
DistilleryDalmoreGlenesk
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£715£850
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value7/100

Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £850.

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£850 vs £715)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Glenesk?

Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Dalmore 25 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried Fruit

Only Glenesk 1980 / 33 Year Old / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail Highland Whisky

TobaccoLeatheryMossy

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