Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release

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

Dalmore 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 12174) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release
DistilleryDalmoreArdnahoe
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%50%
Age23 yr5 yr
Price£124.18£120
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner45/100
Value42/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release is better value at £120 vs £124.

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
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 5 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£124.18 vs £120)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £124.18)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Ardnahoe?

Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

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

Old WoodChocolateDried FruitVanilla

Only Ardnahoe 5 Year Old - Inaugural Release

SmokeyToastedMalt Extract

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