Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 | Ardbeg 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardbeg |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £499 | £599 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 is better value at £499 vs £599.
For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £499)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 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
Only Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old