Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing) vs Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)Rock Island Sherry Edition
DistilleryCaol IlaRock Island
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.5%46.8%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£73.95£50
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value68/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is better value at £50 vs £74.

For beginners: Rock Island Sherry Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£73.95 vs £50)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50 vs £73.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

MedicinalMossyOilyCoal-gas

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SherriedDried FruitSandyNutty

Where to buy

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)

Rock Island Sherry Edition

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