Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) vs Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Caol Ila
£199

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£130
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) | Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.4% | 52.2% |
| Age | 15 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £199 | £130 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £130 vs £199.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £130)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£130 vs £199)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Only Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange