Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryCaol IlaThe Antiquary
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV58.5%43%
Age8 yr21 yr
Price£73.95£84.9
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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 'Earth' 8 Year Old 2010 - Old Particular Elements Collection (Douglas Laing) is better value at £74 vs £85.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£73.95 vs £84.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £73.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old 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

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

SmokeyMedicinalMossyOilyCoal-gas

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Where to buy

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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