Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask vs Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon CaskDalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryBallechinDalmore
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%46%
Age20 yr23 yr
Price£162.5£124.18
Rating5.00/5

Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

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 £163.

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

Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£162.5 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 Edradour?

Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Both taste of

Vanilla

Only Edradour Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 - Bourbon Cask

ToastedSmokeyHoneyNew Wood

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

SherriedOld WoodChocolateDried Fruit

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