Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) vs Reference Series III.3
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Dalwhinnie
★ 5.00
£331

Reference Series III.3
Reference Series
★ 5.00
£271
| Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) | Reference Series III.3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalwhinnie | Reference Series |
| Region | Highland | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 48.8% | 47.3% |
| Age | 25 yr | NAS |
| Price | £331.43 | £270.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Reference Series III.3
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Reference Series III.3
Quick verdict
Reference Series III.3 is better value at £271 vs £331.
For beginners: Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£331.43 vs £270.95)
Reference Series III.3
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£270.95 vs £331.43)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Dalwhinnie?
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Reference?
Reference Series III.3 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)