Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Bunnahabhain
£199
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Dalmore
★ 5.00
£124
| Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Dalmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 14 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £199 | £124.18 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
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 £199.
For beginners: Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 vs £124.18)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 1988 (casks 9038 & 9074) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Only Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)