Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£218
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£174
| Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 62.6% | 54.2% |
| Age | 16 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £217.95 | £173.74 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £174 vs £218.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 13 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (62.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£217.95 vs £173.74)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£173.74 vs £217.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)